Materiais Sustentáveis

Objectives

This course aims to provide students with a broad and critical view of sustainability in the field of materials. It will cover natural-based materials, recycled and second-life materials, as well as by-products and waste with recovery potential. The students will acquire competences to: - Understand the environmental and social challenges associated with materials usage. - Identify and select materials based on sustainability criteria. - Perform Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of materials and products. - Apply circular economy concepts in material selection and design. - Propose innovative solutions to real-world challenges through collaborative applied projects.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Sustainability in Materials 2. Natural and Renewable Materials 3. Second-Life and Recycled Materials 4. Waste and By-products Valorization 5. Environmental Assessment Tools 6. Sustainable and Circular Design

Cross Competence Component

During the development and evaluation of the project students have the opportunity to develop different sets of Soft Skills. While the specific skills developed will depend on the specific project, the students in general will have opportunity to develop skills related to i) Critical and Innovative Thinking (Creativity, Problem Solving Strategies), ii) Intrapersonnal Skills (auto-discipline, enthusiasm, preserverence, self motivation) and iii) Interpersonal Skills (communication, organization, decision, initiative, oral presentation, writing). The percentage of evaluation associated with these skills should be around 30%..

Laboratorial Component

Objective: Apply the course knowledge to solve a real-world sustainability challenge. Examples of topics: - Replacement of conventional materials with sustainable alternatives. - Valorization of by-products or waste. - Development of products using circular design strategies. - Environmental comparison of material solutions using LCA. Project stages: 1. Challenge selection (external partner or student proposal) 2. Diagnostic and material analysis 3. Use of assessment tools (LCA, MCDA, etc.) 4. Final proposal and presentation

Ethical Principles

All member 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.