Research team
Expertise
My research focuses on polymer production and recycling. Key focus areas are (i) polymerization in homogeneous and aqueous dispersed phase systems, including the use of biobased or/and recycled monomers, (ii) the design of multifunctional polymeric composites, and (iii) chemical recycling via depolymerization. Process and material design are performed using both experimental techniques as well as multi-scale simulations and machine learning.
Separation Technology to Refine and Improve Carbamate Thermolysis for polyurethane recycling.
Abstract
This project starts from the patented technology to produce isocyanate-rich resins directly from polyurethane waste, through a two-step process in which polyol recovery is coupled with thermolysis of the resulting carbamate fraction. This is strategically very important to obtain the independence of the recycling market from phosgene plants. Previous research within iPRACS allowed obtaining high conversion and reasonable yields of isocyanate on a small scale in batch reactors, and a glimpse into the potential value of the reactive resins formed. Currently, chemical knowledge regarding reaction pathways is being completed (thanks to an ongoing PhD). Although the technology shows promise, some knowledge gaps stand in the way of subsequent scale-up. First, we need to better understand thermolysis kinetics to minimize side reactions, and we wish to optimize the in-silico separation to obtain higher yields of isocyanate monomers. We aim to do this in the present project proposal, using applied computational chemistry, kinetic models and thermodynamic process simulations. In addition, we are working toward an initial scale-up to a semi-continuous reactor setup to increase the yield and quality of valuable isocyanate resins.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Billen Pieter
- Co-promoter: Marien Yoshi
- Co-promoter: Vande Velde Christophe
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project