Doctoral defence: Rauno Sedrik “Synthesis and investigation of polymers from different cyclic bio-based monomers”

On 19 February at 13:15 Rauno Sedrik will defend his doctoral thesis “Synthesis and investigation of polymers from different cyclic bio-based monomers” for obtaining the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering of Bioactive Compounds)

Supervisors:
Associate Professor Lauri Vares, University of Tartu
Visiting Professor Patric Jannasch, University of Tartu

Opponent: 
Associate Professor Jonathan Potier, University of Lille (France)

Summary: 

The rapid increase in plastic consumption, primarily based on fossil resources, is not sustainable. Therefore, we need alternative feedstocks to create plastics that do not negatively impact the environment through carbon emissions, but may contribute to a circular carbon economy. Designing new polymers with recyclability or (bio)degradability in mind is a promising pathway to alleviate the impact of plastic waste and reach a sustainable future. 

This thesis investigates different biomass-based structures to evaluate them as replacements for everyday polymers in more demanding applications. The main feature of the monomers prepared in this thesis is their cyclic nature, which should lead them to better polymer properties, e.g., enhanced glass transition temperatures. Additionally, other aspects of the polymers are investigated to find improvements over common plastics. These aspects include the recyclability and reuse of the polymer material, as well as their overall environmental impact and toxicity to the environment.

This thesis confirms that it is possible to obtain polymer materials with excellent thermal properties from various bio-based structures. Additionally, other aspects of the materials, such as recyclability, life cycle assessment, and toxicity, are studied to obtain additional information, reinforcing these materials' viability as future replacements for fossil polymers even further.
 

Defence can be followed in Zoom: https://ut-ee.zoom.us/j/9530588152?pwd=ZzgzMjY4YytzUkZ5aVRCd2pOdVNQQT09 (meeting ID: 953 058 8152, passcode: kaitsmine).