University-industry co-operation: leading to successful innovation

1. University-industry co-operation: leading to successful innovation Professor Marianne Gilbert, Institute of Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering, Loughborough University, UK

2. PVC Activities at Loughborough PVC Innovation Centre

3. PVC Innovation Centre Aims to provide the highest quality research and development, networking and training for the world-wide PVC community

4. PVC Innovation Centre –established November 2003 Who we are: Prof Marianne Gilbert Dr Les Holloway Prof Brian Brooks Dr Dave Hitt Dr Paul Fleming Stuart Patrick Barry Haworth Dr Noreen Thomas

5. PVC Innovation Centre What we offer: • Research and Development programmes • Consultancy services • Training resources • Networking opportunities

6. Research and Development • Dedicated research projects • Product development • Sponsored research studentships • Joint research grant applications • MSc projects • Market research • Company strategic planning

7. Consultancy services • Specialist advice • Product assessment • Equipment hire & material/product testing

8. Networking opportunities • Network development • Education and recruitment initiatives • International research project awareness

9. Training Resources • Full-time and part-time MSc programmes • External PhDs • In house dedicated training sessions • Short Courses • Conferences/seminars • Industrial placements

10. Introduction to polymer science and technology Polymerisation Science of PVC PVC processing Manufacturers and markets Role of key additives Material characteristics Product performance Applications of PVC-P and PVC-U Sustainability and environmental aspects PVC Training Course- Content

11. Next PVC Training Course! • Third course 5 – 9th September 2005 • Short Course or part of Materials for Industry post graduate programme

12. Facilities • Polymerisation reactor • Processing, rheology and sample preparation • Loughborough Materials characterisation Centre • Mechanical testing

13. New equipment • PVC twin screw extruder • Dry blending equipment • Haake torque rheometer and extruder • Raman spectrometer

14. The VinylSUM Research Network Established April 2004

15. Introduction • EPSRC network for the sustainable use of materials funded April 2004 – March 2007 • Organised by the Institute of Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering (PVC Innovation Centre) based at Loughborough University • Dr Noreen Thomas, Professor Marianne Gilbert are Investigators with Stuart Patrick the co-ordinator

16. Objectives I • To establish a forum for an industry-wide discussion of the research required to improve the sustainable use of PVC • To review research work already completed and that still in progress to find the knowledge gaps in terms of materials processing, additives and properties.

17. Objectives II • To develop an approach for a full evaluation of sustainability issues on a life cycle basis, and set up a modus operandi in which the whole industry works together to achieve the objectives for sustainable use which can then be applied to other polymers • To become a source of impartial information to all stakeholders

18. Members IPTME, Loughborough University CES (University of Surrey) IRC, Bradford University Wolfson Centre, Brunel University Biocomposites Centre, Bangor University EVC Hydro Polymers British Plastics Federation European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI) European Stabiliser Producers Association (ESPA) The Natural Step (TNS) Costdown (Recycling)

19. Literature Review Topics I • General PVC references, recent reviews • Additives – general • Additives – stabilisation • Additives – plasticisers • Additives – plasticiser issues • Chemical modification • Fire retardants and smoke suppressants • Life cycle assessment

20. Literature Review Topics II • Nanocomposites and related topics • Polymerisation • Processing • Processing – foams • Products • Recycling and waste treatments • Resins and compounds • Sustainability

21. Conclusions from literature review

22. Stabilisers • There has been extensive work, with the majority of the published literature being Patents (primarily from German based companies) on possible organic based stabilisers for PVC • A particularly interesting development is the work carried out by Starnes on plasticiser thiols* *W. H. Starnes, J. Vinyl & Additive Tech. (2001) 7 250-253

23. Plasticisers • Phthalate plasticiser replacements are still attracting attention, includingbenzoates, citrates, Hexamoll, and Mesamoll • Blending with elastomers still of interest • There is still very little research being published on plasticisers from natural / renewable resources

24. Methods used to reduce plasticiser migration • Surface modification • Nanocoats • Hybrid coatings • Polymeric plasticisers

25. Life Cycle Assessment • PVC sustainability issues • Life Cycle assessments of PVC covering overall studies, windows, flooring, cable, pipe and use in packaging, textiles and automotive areas, also production, additives and end of life • Environmental issues associated with PVC • Recycling and waste treatment issues and methods including re-use, mechanical and chemical recycling, incineration and landfill

26. Research Projects

27. Improving Sustainability of PVC through Novel Materials, Processes and Life Cycle Methodologies N L Thomas, M Gilbert, B Haworth (IPTME, LU) and A Azapagic (CES, UniS)

29. Sustainable Processing for Rigid PVC: Novel Processing Routes for Post-Consumer Recyclate B Haworth (IPTME, LU) and A L Kelly (IRC, Univ. of Bradford)

31. Visit our web sites: • www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/iptme/PVCIC • www.vinylsum.org .uk