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CK2180 Polymer Materials in a Circular Economy 7.5 credits

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Course syllabus as PDF

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Course syllabus CK2180 (Spring 2025–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus CK2180 (Spring 2025–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Polymer materials in a circular economy. Biobased, biodegradable and/or recyclable polymer materials.

Principles of different recycling methods. Challenges and possibilities for different recycling methods and material types (e.g. thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, textiles, biodegradables, multicomponent materials). 

Design for recycling at molecular, material and product level. Cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-cradle design. Current state and future opportunities.

Biodegradation and role of biodegradable plastics in circular economy.

Polymer materials and sustainability, environmental, social and economic aspects.

Life-cycle analysis and sustainability metrics.

Intended learning outcomes

After passing the course the student should be able to:

  • Describe basic concepts connected to polymer material circularity and reflect over their role in a circular economy. 
  • Reflect over the sustainability of polymer materials and their contribution to sustainable development. 
  • Understand how life cycle analysis and sustainability metrics can be utilized in development of sustainable polymer materials
  • Perform literature search and laboratory experiments. Evaluate and discuss results orally and in a written report.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Completed degree project 15 credits, 50 credits in chemistry or chemical engineering, 20 credits in mathematics, numerical analysis and/or data science. English B/6.

Recommended prerequisites

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Equipment

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Literature

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Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LAB1 - Project Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • SEM1 - Seminar, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Written exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

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Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

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Examiner

Profile picture Minna Hakkarainen

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

CBH/Fibre and Polymer Technology

Main field of study

Chemical Science and Engineering

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

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