Raw Materials Substitution Sustainability

This book is the first to propose a simplified quantitative approach to evaluating raw materials' substitution sustainability, which takes into account their embodied energy and CO2 footprint. In addition to the new quantitative model, it also presents qualitative concepts as well as a number of case studies, and includes helpful illustrations to explain the concept and approach.

Europe has launched several initiatives to promote research and innovation in raw materials and to find candidates for natural resources substitution. However, while there is a tremendous interest in raw material substitution, the lack of a simplified approach to comparing the materials' sustainability and effective legal frameworks make final market applications extremely challenging. The market for new raw materials can only be established if industrial sectors are appropriately sensitized and stimulated.

Addressing these and other issues, the book offers a valuable resource not only for scientists, researchers, and politicians, but also for industrial and business operators looking for a way to evaluate raw materials' substitution sustainability.

Autorentext

Prof. Elza Bontempi received the Ph.D. in Materials for Engineering in 2001. Her doctoral studies were mainly focused on thin films characterization using advanced X-Ray scattering techniques, in collaboration with CNRS of Grenoble (France). In 2000 she obtained a permanent position at the University of Brescia (Italy), where from 2011 is Full Professor in Fundamental Chemistry for Technologies.

Elza Bontempi activities were in her first research years mainly focused on the relationships between structure, microstructure, physical and chemical properties of materials. She has a well established experience in developing new analysis techniques, and setting up new, non-conventional analysis methods. 15 years ago she started to dedicate her research also to environmental chemistry sector, developing new techniques for heavy metals detection in air particulate matter and new technologies for heavy metals entrapment in fly ash.

From 2010 to 2015 she was the scientific responsible of two European projects (COSMOS and COSMOS-RICE) devoted to fly ash stabilization.

Currently her research activity is focused on the development of eco-materials, with great attention to their sustainability evaluation.

She was the scientific responsible of the team that in 2016 won the first prize of the European Business Ideas Competition for Innovation in Raw Materials.

Inhalt

Raw materials and sustainable indicators.- Case study in industrial processes: calcite and talc substitution in plastic composites.- Case study in agriculture: commercial phosphate fertilizers substitution.- The new approach to evaluate the sustainability of raw materials substitution.