ROLE IN THE PROJECT
In the NovaPack project UNIBO will be mainly involved in the study and characterization of bio-based polymer systems. A particular attention will be directed to evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of bio-based packaging films under controlled aerobic composting conditions assessing the effect of the active extracts from natural resources on the compostability of the novel packaging films (M4). Moreover, chemical and molecular weight analysis (FT-IR, NMR and GPC analyses) will be also performed to assess the composition of the natural extracts and the effect of melt compounding on the structure and molecular weight of the bio-based polymers (M1,M2,M3). UNIBO will also assist the other units in the complete physico-chemical and thermal characterization of all the materials involved in the project (M1,M3) and in the action plan regarding the dissemination and the exploitation of the project results (M6).
The Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna is considered to be the oldest University in the Western world. The University has a Multicampus structure made up of 31 Departments and 5 Schools. There are also 7 Interdepartmental Research Centres and 12 interdepartmental research and training facilities. More than one million square meters are allocated in the following locations: Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini. 252 degree programmes are on offer, of which 101 are first-cycle degree programmes, 137 are second-cycle degree programmes, and 14 are single-cycle degree programmes. Over 93,000 students have chosen the University of Bologna including more than 7,600 international students. Research and innovation activities are carried out by more than 5,000 teachers, researchers, fellow researchers and PhD students who operate in a dynamic and multidisciplinary context. The objective is to contribute to new knowledge and innovation that can be used for economic, social and cultural development.