MATERIALS FOR THE DESIGN OF THE FUTURE
Course code | 201700182 |
Contactperson | Dr. Fabian Grunert / Frances van Elburg |
Level | Minor / 1B |
Cursustype | MODULE |
EC’s | 15 |
Minor: Materials for the Design of the Future
The aircraft and automotive industries are among the leading industries for new developments in terms of innovative materials and technologies, and many of them are based on polymers. This minor provides a broad insight, staring from the development of innovative materials, special technological functionalities and possibilities to improve their sustainability and recyclability. It is divided into 3 parts: a course about material technology, a course about the sustainable future and a design process project.
Advanced and Innovative Material Science (AIMS)
In the course Advanced and Innovative Material Science (AIMS), different aspects of materials will be introduced. The course contains three main directions. First, lectures about materials in general will be given with a focus on polymers. Secondly, the interaction mechanisms and interfaces between materials will be discussed. Lastly, the focus lies on materials used in advanced and innovative applications, such as self-healing and other SMART materials. During the course, one group assignment will be organized, where students are asked to investigate a material or application in more detail.
Heading towards a sustainable future (HTSF)
The newly developed course “Heading towards a sustainable future (HTSF)” deals with recent challenges and solutions to improve the sustainability of modern materials, in specific polymers. 4 main topics will be covered within this course:
1. National and International policies with regards to sustainability and recycling of polymers, recycling streams, circular economy, REACH legislations and life cycle analysis (LCA)
2. Recycling of plastics, elastomers and composite materials incl. microplastic challenges and solutions
3. New biobased solutions with regards to biomasses, monomers, polymers and additives
4. Recent trends of the industry incl. guest lectures from companies
The course is supported by experts from different chairs at the UT as well as guest lectures from the industry who gives insights into newest trends and developments.
Project:
During the project, students combine their gained knowledge of the 2 courses to create, evaluate and improve their own polymeric materials. The design process consists of working in teams. The process will be presented and discussed with peers on a regular base.