Tutor: Graeme George
The way that plastics are used and discarded has always been of concern but lately the problems of ocean pollution and the prevalence of microplastics have received close attention. If we are to understand these issues it is valuable to know the composition and properties of the different plastics that are used for good, as well as those that end up as pollution, since this provides a guide to how societal problems may be addressed in a balanced way. No prerequisite knowledge of chemistry or polymers is needed, and concepts will be introduced within an intuitive framework.
Venue: 232 Adelaide St
Thursday 11.30am - 12.45pm. Classes start 17 July, finish 18 September.
Cost: $50 (prepaid), 10 weeks
Current Enrolments: 0 (capacity 16)
S20 "Plastics: Our Friend or Enemy?" Term 3, 2025. Topics to be covered.
1. The good and bad features of polymers, particularly plastics. The major issues and what is being done. National Plastics Waste Policy and action plans.
2. Types of polymers and a simple guide to their structure and properties. Three key factors controlling properties. Polymer synthesis and processing to achieve this. Identifying plastics.
3. Microplastics and nano plastics. How do they occur, how are they identified, and what are the challenges? Health implications.
4. Polymer degradation and the lifetime of polymers in different environments (eg. On water, in sunlight, in the body).
5. Ocean plastics and the damage to birds and mammals. The problem of the "rafts of plastic" in the 5 ocean gyres. Possible solutions.
6. Recycling of plastics: open and closed loop recycling. Recovery of the starting chemicals. Sustainability vs recyclability. Greenwashing and ACCC.
7. Biodegradable plastics. Do they help the environment? Oxo- versus bio-degradable plastics. Legislation and Standards.
8. Polymers used in agriculture and food distribution. Enhancement of crop yield. Plastics from plants and other renewable resources.
9. Polymers used in human health; where are they used and what happens when they fail? Case studies of controlled versus unwanted degradation.
10. Life cycle analysis (LCA) of plastics from cradle to grave and the circular economy. LCA of natural versus synthetic polymers. Plastic versus glass containers.
About the Tutor:
I have been a researcher, teacher, and consultant for over 45 years on the chemistry, properties, and performance of polymers (plastics, coatings, rubbers, textiles, and composite materials) and the way that they perform when in different environments (including in the body). I look forward to sharing my experience with other U3A members.If you are a U3A Brisbane member you may enrol in this class online using the Enrol button below. You will be asked to provide your membership number and name for identification.
If you wish to obtain further information about this class before enrolling, you may send a message to the tutor using the Send Enquiry Message button below.