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INNOVATIVE MOLECULAR MODELLING APPROACH TO UP-GRADE POLYMERIC MATERIALS FROM POST INDUSTRIAL REJECTS

Final Report Summary - MOMO (Innovative molecular modelling approach to upgrade polymeric materials from post industrial rejects)

The project pertained to an Innovative molecular modelling approach in order to upgrade polymeric materials from post-industrial rejects (MOMO). Its aim was to study and develop tailor-made multicomponent polymeric blends such as Polycarbonates (PCs), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) which stem from post-industrial rejects, and thereby extending their lifecycle as well as diminishing their environmental impact. Strong emphasis would be laid on achieving thermal stability and transparency of these polymer nanocomposites as well as on improving the mechanical properties by means of nanoclays or nanopowders. Nanofillers were specifically used in order to increase the mouldability of the reject materials.

Moreover, the project's objectives comprised the embedding of nanoparticles in polymer matrices; thereby reaching high level of competitiveness towards raw materials. MOMO would apply melt intercalation for the production of nanocomposite reclaimed materials based on nanoclays which method constitutes a cost-effective way for synthesising nanocomposites. The novel materials would find use in lighting, in the automotive industry as well as in textiles.

The project achieved in:
- raising fundamental knowledge concerning recycling of polymeric materials;
- developing modelling protocols for either pure polymers or polymeric blends, for polymeric nanocomposites, for clay contabilisation and for nanoclays;
- raising fundamental knowledge concerning the dispersion of nanoclays into polymers and polymeric blends;
- raising fundamental knowledge regarding the processing of recycled materials as well as optimising techniques such as injection moulding, fibre spinning, extrusion and casting;
- developing four demonstrators in order to assess the project results as well as to potentially realise industrial products.