As explained by Ana Mangas, a researcher in mechanochemistry and reactive extrusion at AIMPLAS, “mechanochemistry plays a fundamental role in promoting the chemical recycling of plastics towards solvent-free and energy-efficient techniques. It has also proven effective in the synthesis of a wide range of materials, including catalysts, biopolymers and plastics, pharmaceutical compounds, and more. Furthermore, mechanochemistry can also produce materials with unique properties that are difficult or impossible to obtain by other means, making it a valuable tool for the research and development of new materials with applications in fields such as electronics, energy, and medicine.”
By promoting a more sustainable and efficient vision of chemistry, this project contributes to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity. As the project's principal investigator, Ana Mangas, explains, “Unlike conventional methods, mechanochemistry does not require solvents to carry out the reactions, eliminating the problems associated with solvent purity and quality, as well as toxic residues. Furthermore, this technique allows for faster synthesis and, in some cases, continuous rather than batch processes, making it ideal for large-scale production applications.”
MECHANOCHEMISTRY is at the forefront of research into plastic synthesis and recycling processes, providing innovative solutions so that companies in the Valencian Community can improve the efficiency of their synthesis and recycling processes, reduce production costs and improve the sustainability of their operations, thus improving their competitiveness.
The companies ACTECO, Laurentia Technologies, PICDA, UBE Corporation Europe, Omar Coatings, and Curapath are already collaborating on this research, which is funded by IVACE through the EU's ERDF funds, within the ERDF Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2021-2027. This funding is aimed at technology centers in the Valencian Community for the development of non-economic R&D projects carried out in cooperation with companies for the 2022 fiscal year.
