2001 TSE: NSF/EPA Partnership for Environmental Research: New Modeling Framework and Technology to Optimize Resource Utilization in the Plastics Supply Cycle (TSE01-H)

Purdue University, West Lafayette IN

Investigators

Abstract

0124761 Stuart The goal of the proposed research is to develop a modeling framework and rapid materials identification methodologies to significantly improve resource utilization in the thermoplastics supply cycle. The specific goals are to: (1) design and develop an instrumental methodology for the off-line and in-process composition monitoring of pure and mixed polymer feed stocks (resin pellets/regrind, and (2) design and develop a computational model that links composition information derived from material analysis in the supply chain with knowledge of molder demand to decide new criteria for selecting blending compositions and inventory quantities in the plastics supply cycle. The ultimate objective is to provide viable means to overcome significant barriers to the development of a sustainable supply cycle for plastics manufacturing.