PhD Thesis Colloquium: Mr. Indranil Dey (21/07/26)
Thesis title:
Recycling and Upcycling of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Waste Using Vitrimer Chemistry.
Faculty advisor(s):
Prof. Suryasarathi Bose
When?
21st July, 2026 (Tuesday), 11:00 AM (India Standard Time)
Where
KPA Auditorium, Department of Materials Engineering
Abstract
The accumulation of post-consumer thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) waste, particularly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), poses a major environmental challenge due to their limited recyclability, contamination, and deterioration in properties during repeated processing. This thesis, entitled “Recycling and Upcycling of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Waste Using Vitrimer Chemistry,” presents innovative vitrimer-based strategies to transform post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyolefins and multilayer plastic (MLP) waste into high-value, recyclable engineering materials through adaptive dynamic polymer networks.
The work introduces bio-based and reactive crosslinking approaches to develop vitrimeric networks with enhanced mechanical performance, thermal stability, and reprocessability while minimizing chain degradation. Molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations were employed to establish structure–property relationships and optimize network architectures. Furthermore, vitrimer-enabled compatibilization strategies were developed for mixed PE/PP and MLP waste streams, enabling improved interfacial adhesion, property retention, and successful conversion into value-added products through fused granule fabrication (FGF) additive manufacturing.
The thesis also introduces two novel adaptive network architectures, VINOMER and VITRILOMER, which integrate dynamic covalent and ionic interactions to achieve rapid stress relaxation, efficient melt reprocessing, and superior mechanical performance. Life-cycle assessment demonstrated significant reductions in carbon footprint, energy consumption, and processing cost, highlighting the industrial viability of these materials. Overall, this research establishes vitrimer chemistry as a scalable platform for the sustainable recycling and upcycling of polyolefin waste, providing a practical pathway toward high-value material recovery and a circular plastics economy.