Polymers

"This book is a very useful and up-to-date account of the role of polymers in modern society, considering relevant implications of their use, production and disposal throughout their life cycle. The book is clear and well organized following a logical evolution according to the life cycle of polymers. The remarkable characteristic of this book is that it is almost written as a tale, concise and precise, without lacking detail and providing reliable scientific data." (International Journal of Environmental Studies, 10 January 2011) "...this book provides a study-aid, yet also a comprehensive and current reference tool." (Rapra Abstracts) "...an accessible treatment of this crucial area..." (Materials World, May 2003) "...Comprising eight very comprehensible chapters...." (Chemistry & Industry, 16 June 2003) "...Strikingly designed and conceived..." (Industry & Environment, Jan-March 2003) "...an interesting read and a book I would have loved to have as a student...a book that is difficult to put down, does justice to the history of environmental management, and would make as good a Christmas present as a text. Top marks to the authors for a highly recommended purchase for every personal polymer, materials, and environmental engineering library." (Polymer News, Vol. 28, No. 10, October 2003) "...essential reading for students, as well as a invaluable guide for technologists and industrialists, in the vast arena of environmental and polymer sciences." (International Journal for Applied Sciences, Vol.130, No.10, 2004) "This book is a valuable reference...very illustrative..." (Cellulose Chemistry & Technology, Vol 39 (1/2) May 2005)

Adisa Azapagic is Professor of Sustainable Engineering. Her research interests and expertise include life cycle modeling and optimization, life cycle assessment, industrial ecology, sustainability indicators, multiple criteria decision analysis and corporate social responsibility. Azapagic is the author of over 130 publications in these areas, including a book on Polymers, the Environment and Sustainable Development also published by Wiley. She is also interested in sustainability education and is a member of the European Federation of Chemical engineering (EFCE) Working Party on Education. She is a UNESCO/TWAIS/ICSU Visiting Scientist at the Instituto Technologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM), Mexico City.

Preface. Chapter 1: The Environment and Sustainable Development - An Integrated Strategy for Polymers. Introduction to Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Issues. Polymers: An Issue for Sustainability. Integrated Resource and Waste Management. Resource and Waste Management Policies for Polymers. The Book Structure and Life Guide. References and Further Reading. Revision Exercise. Chapter 2: Polymers in Everyday Use - Principles, Properties and Environmental Effects. Introduction. Basic Principles of Polymer Chemistry. The Influence of the Environment on Polymers. Summary and Learning Outcomes. References and Further Reading. Revision Exercises. Chapter 3: Feeding the Waste Streams - Sources of Polymers in the Environment. Introduction. Polymer Production and Consumption. Waste Stream Categories. Recovery and Recycling of Plastic Wastes in Different Countries. Summary and Learning Outcomes. References and Further Reading. Revision Exercises. Chapter 4: Managing Polymer Waste - Technologies for Separation and Recycling. Recycling Options. Separation and Identification of Plastics. Process Technologies for Plastics Recycling. Summary and Learning Outcomes. References and Further Reading. Revision Exercises. Chapter 5: Drives and Barriers for Polymer Recycling - Social, Legal and Economic Factors. Introduction. Recovery of Plastic Waste: Logistics and Socio-Economic Issues. Reprocessing of Plastic Waste: Technical, Institutional and Economic Issues. Other Factors Affecting Polymer Recycling: Policy Issues and Public Acceptability. Summary and Learning Outcomes. References and Further Reading. Revision Exercises. Chapter 6: Design for the Environment - The Life Cycle Approach. Introduction. Life Cycle Thinking: The Approach and Tools. Design for the Environment: Life Cycle Production Design. Summary and Learning Outcomes. References and Further Reading. Revision Exercises. Chapter 7: Environmental Impacts of Recycling Introduction. Environmental Impacts of Recycling: Life Cycle Considerations. LCA Case Studies of Recycling Options and Technologies. Summary and Learning Outcomes. References and Further Reading. Revision Exercises. Chapter 8: Future Directions - Towards Sustainable Development. Introduction. Improving the Efficiency of Polymerisation: The Principles of Green. Chemistry. Design for Recyclability. Developing New Processing Technologies. Conclusions: Towards Sustainable Development. Summary and Learning Outcomes. References and Further Reading. Appendix I. Appendix II. Index.