Recycling of Plastics

11B2344

Bachelor

German

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

Knowing about the need of increasing sustainability, plastics and product-specific recycling concepts and technologies as well as closed material cycles will be of great importance in the future. This module deals with the current key recycling technologies and allows students to develop an understanding of the challenges as well as possible solutions. In addition to the technical, economic and ecological aspects of plastics recycling are also taught in this module.

Theoretical part

Introduction to plastics recycling and the circular economy
Types of plastic and their recyclability
Mechanical recycling: principles and processes, sorting and shredding techniques, processing materials on the twin-screw extruder
Chemical recycling: depolymerization and pyrolysis
Biological recycling and bioplastics: biodegradability of plastics
Innovative recycling technologies
Design for recycling: material selection, product design, labeling, modularity, reduction of harmful substances
Sustainability and environmental compatibility: life cycle analyses, role of associations and legislation
Case studies from the industry

Practical part

Experimental studies to investigate waste treatment and recycling processes
Excursion

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Field work / Experimental work or
• Oral presentation, with written elaboration

Experimental work or a presentation with written elaboration

Experimental work: Experimental procedure and written report (group work, 3-4 people, approx. 30-40 pages)

Presentation: Presentation approx. 20-30 minutes and approx. 30-40 pages of written report (group work, 3-4 people) 
 
 

This module builds on the fundamentals of plastics chemistry, plastics processing and plastics technology. Prior knowledge of sustainable material cycles is particularly important.

Building on the previous modules, e.g. plastics technology, plastics processing, the topic of recycling plastic products is dealt with comprehensively. The students have a comprehensive overview of the different material and product-specific methods of recycling plastic products and know their possibilities and limitations. 

The issue of recycling plastics is also the subject of much debate among the general public. The arguments are often very one-sided. Students should gain a clear understanding of the relationships between plastic type/life cycle/recycling options in order to be able to assess the challenges and opportunities.

This module provides an essential basis for the increasing demand for the use of recycled materials in plastic products. Graduates will be able to select, evaluate and further develop suitable recycling methods for specific materials and products on the basis of their extensive knowledge of plastics recycling in their later industrial professional practice.

Students can select and critically evaluate suitable recycling methods for specific products and materials. They are able to reflect on their professional actions with regard to corresponding industrial and social expectations.

• Schröder, Cathrin

• Schröder, Cathrin