Agenda

01 Aug 2025 00:00

Sustainable Polymers and Green Chemistry: Interview with Dr. Alexandra Zamboulis

Dr. Alexandra Zamboulis, researcher at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), was a Visiting Scholar at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice for one month as part of the part of the DESC Centre’s interdisciplinary research. She collaborated with Prof. Fabio Aricò on a project focused on sustainable polymers. If you work in the fields of sustainable chemistry, innovative materials, or environmental impact assessment, feel free to contact us at dais.eccellente@unive.it to explore potential synergies.

How did the collaboration begin and what is the project about? It began through the Fur4Sustain COST Action project. The goal is to develop accessible furan-based monomers for the synthesis of novel biobased polymers. Two monomers were synthesized in Ca’ Foscari, and their polymerisation is now being studied at AUTH.

What are the main environmental challenges of traditional polymers? Their production relies on non-renewable resources, contributing to fossil resources depletion. Inadequate waste management leads to accumulation in the environment. Due to their non-biodegradable nature, which is linked to their chemical structure, they accumulate in land and oceans. Over time, exposure to UV irradiation and other physical forces (wind, water, etc) breaks down plastics into micro- and nano-plastics, further intensifying the global environmental problem.

What makes these new polymers more sustainable? New polymers are developed from biomass, including waste: they valorize waste streams and are produced with lower CO2 emissions. Their new molecular structures are designed to enhance degradability or recyclability, particularly for single-use items.

Can biobased polymers help reduce microplastics? Not necessarily: biodegradability is controlled by chemical structure, meaning that not all biobased polymers are biodegradable. For instance, PET and bio-PET, i.e. partially renewable PET, exhibit the same degradation profile and microplastic formation due to their identical chemical structure. However, when recyclable polymers (both biobased and fossil-based) are properly managed, they contribute to reducing microplastic pollution.

How is biodegradability evaluated? By monitoring mass loss or CO₂ release during exposure to simulated environments. Infrared spectrometry and GPC provide insights into structural changes. ISO protocols assess degradation under composting, soil, or marine conditions. Safety is tested via cytotoxicity, ecotoxicity, and in silico models.

Are there industrial sectors ready to adopt these materials? Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a 100% biobased polymer is already used for disposable items, such as packaging and food containers. Another promising and innovative biobased polymer is poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), with properties similar to PET, is nearing commercialization and is considered especially for beverage bottles.

What is the added value of international collaboration? It fosters knowledge exchange for researchers at all levels, and it also provides access to complementary facilities. In my case, infrastructures for organic chemistry were not available in my lab in Thessaloniki, then it allowed a new project to emerge with great potential and opening new horizons.

What expertise could enrich this project? Are you looking for new partners? Toxicological evaluation and a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the new synthesised polymers would greatly contribute to the project, enhancing the understanding of the environmental impact. We are always excited to start new collaborations, whether to expand a current project or start a new one. New partners are always welcome.

Organized by

DESC Progetto di Eccellenza DAIS [DESC-DAIS]

Link

https://www.unive.it/desc

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