MATERIAL SCIENCE AND

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
WHAT IS MATERIAL SCIENCE??
Material science is an interdisciplinary
field that explores the properties of solid
materials and how those properties are
determined by a material's composition
and structure.
IMPORTANCE IN MODERN
SOCIETY
THE POWER OF MATERIALS SCIENCE:
SHAPING OUR WORLD, MATERIAL
SCIENCE IS THE FOUNDATION OF
MODERN TECHNOLOGY, DRIVING
INNOVATION AND ADDRESSING
GLOBAL CHALLENGES.
KEY IMPACT

• Enabling
Technological
Advancements:

• Healthcare:
Biocompatible
implants
• Addressing Global
Challenges:
• Sustainability, climate
change, resource
scarcity

• Electronics: Silicon,
semiconductors

• Energy: Solar cells,

batteries, fuel cells

3
• Transportation:
Lightweight
composites
• Improving Quality
of Life:
• Durable goods,
infrastructure,
consumer products
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES??

Sustainable practices are methods of

production and consumption that aim to
minimize
environmental
impact,
social
inequality, and economic decline. They focus on
meeting present needs without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.
WHY SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
MATTER?
Environmental Concerns and Resource Depletion

Climate Change: Unsustainable practices contribute to greenhouse

gas emissions, leading to climate change and its devastating effects.
Resource Depletion: Overconsumption of finite resources
like water, minerals, and fossil fuels threatens future
generations.
Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction and pollution endanger
countless species and disrupt ecosystems.
THE ROLE OF MATERIAL SCIENCE IN
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Developing Sustainable Materials:
Material scientists create eco-friendly
materials like biodegradable plastics
and recyclable composites.

Waste Reduction: Innovative materials

and recycling technologies minimize
waste and conserve resources.

Circular Economy: Material science

supports the circular economy model,
where materials are reused and
recycled to reduce waste and
environmental impact.

Improving Energy Efficiency: Advanced

materials enhance the efficiency of
solar cells, batteries, and energy
storage systems.
PROPERTIES AND SELECTION
OF BUSINESS MATERIALS
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN
MATERIALS SELECTION
Correct materials selection means that
products have the optimum performance,
longevity in use and cost as well as
meeting sustainability requirements.
WHEN DECIDING WHICH MATERIAL
IS BEST FOR AN ENGINEERING
PROJECT
• Mechanical Properties:
- These properties include factors such as ductility, strength, hardness,
toughness, and stiffness. They determine how the material will respond
to issues such as loads and stresses.

• Physical Properties:
- These properties include electrical resistance, density and thermal
conductivity. They show how the material will interact with the physical
world.
WHEN DECIDING WHICH MATERIAL
IS BEST FOR AN ENGINEERING
PROJECT
• Chemical Properties:
- These properties demonstrate how a material will be affected by
matters like corrosion or reactivity. Cost: The cost of a material is also
important in materials selection, with some applications requiring and
deserving higher-cost materials than others.
• Cost:
- The cost of a material is also important in materials selection, with
some applications requiring and deserving higher-cost materials than
others.
WHEN DECIDING WHICH MATERIAL
IS BEST FOR AN ENGINEERING
PROJECT
• Availability:
- Rarer materials may not only be more costly, but they can also be
harder to source.
• Sustainability:
- The environmental impact of a material is also an important
consideration and means answering questions around life expectancy and
ease of recycling.
MATERIALS SELECTION PROCESS
To make the materials selection process
easier, a materials selection chart (also
known as an Ashby Chart) can be used.
This offers a graphical representation of
different materials and their properties
and allows for an impartial, systematic
and speedy selection by comparing
various materials based on different
criteria.
MATERIALS SELECTION PROCESS
STAGES OF MATERIAL SELECTION
• Define Requirements:
- The first step involves identifying the needs of the application
including operating temperatures, pressure, corrosion, and loading.
• Identify Materials:
- List potential materials that meet the requirements, whether
ceramics, metals, polymers, or composite materials.
STAGES OF MATERIAL SELECTION
• Create Shortlist:
- Analyse the materials you have identified to create a shortlist by
assessing factors like cost and availability. This step can be made easier
by using an Ashby Chart.

• Evaluation:
- The shortlisted materials can now undergo an in-depth evaluation.
This can include testing against the requirements set out in step one.
STAGES OF MATERIAL SELECTION
• Selection:
- The final step is to select your chosen material, which may include
quality assurance checks to be certain of the selection. The final selection
is not actually the end of the process as it is worth conducting ongoing
monitoring and evaluation to ensure that your chosen material is still the
best for your given application. The requirements may change with time
or new and better materials may become available
WHY DOES
MATERIALS
SELECTION
MATTER?
MATERIAL SELECTION
Choosing the right material for any application is essential in industry,
manufacturing, and engineering to ensure optimal performance, costeffectiveness,
sustainability, and safety. The material must meet the
desired properties, interact well with other materials under service
conditions, and minimize environmental impact. Poor material selection
can lead to financial losses, environmental harm, and safety risks. While
tools are available to aid in this decision-making, ongoing evaluation is
crucial, as new alternatives, cost changes, or external factors may affect
the suitability of the chosen material.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
AND BIODEGRADABLE
ALTERNATIVES IN REDUCING
ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
These are materials that are sustainably
sourced, typically recyable or renewable
and utilized in building and manufacturing
with the effect on the environment.
Reduced carbon emissions, resource
conservation, and ecological balance are
the goals of these materials.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
BIODEGRADABLE

Biodegradable alternatives serve an important

role in lowering environmental footprints by
decomposing naturally into non-toxic
components, usually through microbial activity.
Unlike traditional materials such as plastic,
which can take decades to degrade,
biodegradable alternatives return to the soil
safely and promptly.
PACKAGING

TEXTILES

• Plant-Based Plastics
(Bioplastics)

• Organic Cotton

• Mushroom
Packaging
• Paper-Based
Packaging
• Edible Packaging

• Hemp and Bamboo

• Tencel (Lyocell)
UNTENSILS AND TABLEWARE

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

• Compostable Plates
and Cups

• Wooden and
Bamboo Cutlery

• Hempcrete
• Cork
• Adobe and Rammed
Earth
BENEFITS OF USING BIODEGRADABLE
ALTERNATIVES
Waste Reduction
Lower Carbon Footprint

Eco - System Friendly

POLYMER CHEMISTRY AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Focuses on the synthesis, structure, and

characteristics of polymers, which are huge
molecules composed of repeating units known
as monomers. Because of polymers' flexibility
and adaptability, this sector supports a wide
range of applications across industries.
PLASTICS AND THEIR TYPES:
• Thermoplastic
- These can be melted and reformed multiple times, making them highly versatile
and recyclable.
• Thermosets
- These polymers undergo a curing process that hardens them irreversibly, making
them suitable for durable, high-performance applications.
• Elastomers
- These are rubbery materials that can stretch significantly and return to their
original shape. They are commonly used in applications where flexibility and
resilience
are required.
APPLICATION OF POLYMERS
Medical and Healthcare
• Biodegradable Polymers: Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) are
used
for sutures, drug delivery systems, and implants.

• Hydrogels: Used in wound dressings, contact lenses, and drug carriers.

• Silicone: Employed in prosthetics, implants, and medical tubing due to
biocompatibility.
APPLICATION OF POLYMERS
Consumer Goods

• Plastic Packaging: Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are used in bags,
bottles, and food
containers due to their flexibility and moisture resistance.
• Clothing: Polyester, nylon, and spandex provide durability, stretch, and wrinkle
resistance.
Construction and Infrastructure
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Pipes, window frames, and flooring.
• Polystyrene (PS): Insulation materials.
• Epoxy Resins: Adhesives and coatings for structural applications.
APPLICATION OF POLYMERS
Automotive and Aerospace
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP): Lightweight, high-strength
materials for vehicle frames and aircraft parts.

• Rubber: Tires and seals for durability and elasticity.

• Polycarbonate (PC): Shatter-resistant materials for windows and headlights.
APPLICATION OF POLYMERS
Electronics
• Conductive Polymers: Polyaniline and polypyrrole are used in batteries,
sensors, and organic electronics.
• Epoxy Resins: Printed circuit boards.
• Polyimides: Flexible electronic circuits.
APPLICATION OF POLYMERS
Energy
• Photovoltaic Polymers: Organic solar cells use polymers for lightweight and
flexible
panels.
• Fuel Cells and Batteries: Polymers serve as membranes and electrolytes in energy
storage
devices.
Environmentally Friendly Materials
• Bioplastics: PLA, PHA, and starch-based plastics for biodegradable packaging.
• Recycled Polymers: Repurposed materials for reducing environmental impact.
UNDERSTANDING PLASTICS,
POLYMERS, AND THEIR USES
IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES
Polymers and plastics have extensive uses
in a variety of sectors, including packaging,
healthcare, construction, and electronics.
They are adaptable, long-lasting, and
inexpensive, making them an essential
component of modern life.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
OF POLYMERS AND
OPTIONS FOR RECYCLING
AND REUSE.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Polymers, especially plastics,

have a significant environmental
impact due to their durability
and the challenges associated
with their disposal.
DECOMPOSITION TIME

RESOURCE DEPLETION

Conventional plastics
can take up to 20
years to decompose,
releasing toxic
chemicals in the
process.

The production of
polymers often relies on
petrochemical sources,
leading to resource
depletion and pollution.
RECYCLING AND REUSE OPTIONS
1. Recycling
-Challenges• Complex polymer compositions make recycling difficult, and it often
requires
specialized technology.
-Advancement• New technologies are being developed to improve recycling efficiency,
including biodegradable polymers and super engineering thermoplastics.
RECYCLING AND REUSE OPTIONS
2. Reuse
-DIY Projects• You can creatively reuse plastic bags by turning them into items
like totes or
purses. This not only reduces waste but also gives a second life to materials.
-Community Initiatives• Organizations like @bagstobeds recycle plastic bags into
sleeping mats for
the homeless, providing warmth and protection.
INNOVATION IN BIODEGRADABLE
AND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
MATERIALS
There are many innovations in biodegradable and sustainable packaging
materials, including:
1. Biodegradable Plastic: These are made from materials like algae and are
designed to break down more easily than traditional plastics. They’re a great
alternative to reduce plastic pollution.
2. Plant-Based Materials: Many companies are using renewable resources to
create packaging that’s both eco-friendly and effective. This includes materials
derived from paperboard and other plant-based.
INNOVATION IN BIODEGRADABLE
AND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
MATERIALS
3.Innovative Solutions:
Startups are developing new technologies, like microalgae-based products,
which can replace conventional plastics in food packaging.
4. Circular Economy:
The focus is shifting towards creating packaging that supports a circular
economy, meaning materials are reused and recycled, reducing waste overall.
GREEN CHEMISTRY
PRINCIPLES IN BUSINESS
GREEN CHEMISTRY PRINCIPLES IN BUSINESS

Designing goods and procedures that

utilize fewer or no hazardous materials
is the main goal of green chemistry. By
implementing these ideas into their
operations, businesses may save
expenses, achieve sustainability, and
satisfy customer and regulatory
expectations for environmentally
friendly goods.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
1. Waste Prevention
Business Impact: Reduces production waste, cutting disposal costs and
environmental impact.
Example: Adopting lean manufacturing techniques to minimize material waste.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
2. Atom Economy:
Business Impact: Maximizes the use of raw materials, reducing costs and
waste.
Example: Reformulating chemical reactions to ensure most of the starting
materials end up in the final product.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
3. Less Hazardous Chemical Synthesis:
Business Impact: Improves worker safety and reduces environmental liability.
Example: Using non-toxic reactants and solvents in product manufacturing.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
4. Designing Safer Chemicals:
Business Impact: Creates safer consumer products, improving brand
reputation.
Example: Developing non-toxic cleaning products or personal care items.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
5. Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries:
Business Impact: Reduces reliance on harmful solvents, lowering health and
disposal costs.
Example: Switching to water-based or bio-based solvents in paints and
coatings.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
6. Energy Efficiency:
Business Impact: Cuts energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Example: Implementing energy-efficient processes like microwave heating
instead of conventional heating.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
7. Use of Renewable Feedstocks:
Business Impact: Decreases dependency on finite resources like petroleum.
Example: Producing bioplastics from corn starch or sugarcane.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
8. Reduce Derivatives:
Business Impact: Simplifies production, saving time and resources.
Example: Avoiding unnecessary chemical modifications during manufacturing.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
9. Catalysis:
Business Impact: Enhances efficiency, reducing costs and material use.
Example: Using catalytic converters to reduce emissions or enzymatic catalysts
in bio-manufacturing.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
10. Design for Degradation:
Business Impact: Produces biodegradable products, meeting consumer demand
for sustainability.
Example: Developing compostable packaging or detergents that break down
into harmless components.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
11. Real-Time Pollution Monitoring:
Business Impact: Prevents environmental damage and regulatory fines.
Example: Installing sensors in factories to monitor emissions and prevent
spills.
KEY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
12. Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention:
Business Impact: Reduces risks to workers, the community, and the
environment.
Example: Using safer raw materials and processes to minimize explosions or
toxic releases.
BENEFITS FOR BUSINESSES
1. Cost Savings:
Lower waste management and energy costs.
Reduced raw material expenses by using
efficient processes.
2. Regulatory Compliance:

Meets strict environmental

regulations, avoiding penalties.

and

safety
3.Market Advantage:
Attracts eco-conscious consumers and builds a sustainable brand image.
4. Innovation Opportunities:
Drives new product development, opening up new markets.
5. Environmental Responsibility:
Reduces carbon footprint and resource depletion, contributing to global
sustainability efforts.
CASE STUDY
• San Miguel Corporation (SMC) –
Sustainability in Manufacturing
• Challenge: San Miguel Corporation,
one of the largest and most diversified
conglomerates in the Philippines, faced
growing pressure to adopt more
sustainable practices across its
manufacturing operations, particularly
in the production of beverages, food
products, and packaging.
GREEN CHEMISTRY
APPROACH:
• SMC implemented a zero-waste
initiative, focusing on reducing waste
sent to landfills by recycling and reusing
materials across its production
processes.
• The company invested in biodegradable
packaging for products like bottled
water and beverages. They also
introduced eco-friendly PET plastic
packaging, which is 100% recyclable.
• SMC also moved towards renewable
energy sources, including biomass and
solar energy, to reduce its carbon
footprint.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE:
• Cost savings: Through waste reduction
and recycling programs, SMC lowered
operational costs.
• Brand differentiation: Being a leader in
adopting sustainable practices, SMC
improved its corporate image, appealing
to environmentally-conscious
consumers.
• Market access: The company met
stringent environmental regulations and
became a key supplier for greencertified businesses, especially in the
food and beverage sector.
THANK YOU