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

PVC Activities at Loughborough PVC Innovation Centre

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

PVC Innovation Centre – established November 2003 Prof Marianne GilbertDr Les Holloway Prof Brian BrooksDr Dave Hitt Dr Paul FlemingStuart Patrick Barry Haworth Dr Noreen Thomas Who we are:

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 PVC Innovation Centre What we offer: Research and Development programmes Consultancy services Training resources Networking opportunities

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 Research and Development Dedicated research projects Product development Sponsored research studentships Joint research grant applications MSc projects Market research Company strategic planning

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 Consultancy services Specialist advice Product assessment Equipment hire & material/product testing

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 Networking opportunities Network development Education and recruitment initiatives International research project awareness

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 Training Resources Full-time and part-time MSc programmes External PhDs In house dedicated training sessions Short Courses Conferences/seminars Industrial placements

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 PVC Training Course- Content 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

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 Next PVC Training Course! Third course 5 – 9th September 2005 Short Course or part of Materials for Industry post graduate programme

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 Facilities Polymerisation reactor Processing, rheology and sample preparation Loughborough Materials characterisation Centre Mechanical testing

First Brazilian PVC Conference – June 2005 New equipment PVC twin screw extruder Dry blending equipment Haake torque rheometer and extruder Raman spectrometer

The VinylSUM Research Network Established April 2004

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

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.

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

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)

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

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

Conclusions from literature review

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)

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

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

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

Research Projects

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)

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

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