Mechanical recycling of polylactide, upgrading trends and combination of valorization techniques

The upcoming introduction of polylactides in the fractions of polymer waste encourages technologists to ascertain its valorization at the best quality conditions. Mechanical recycling of PLA represents one of the most cost-effective methodologies, but the recycled materials are usually directed to downgraded applications, due to the inherent thermomechanical degradation affecting its mechanical, thermal and rheological performance. In this review, the current state of mechanical recycling of PLA is reported, with special emphasis on a multi-scale comparison among different studies. Additionally, the applications of physical and chemical upgrading strategies, as well as the chances to blend and/ or composite recycled PLA are considered. Moreover, the different valorization techniques that can be combined to optimize the value of PLA goods along its life cycle are discussed. Finally, a list of different opportunities to nurture the background of the mechanical recycling of PLA is proposed, in order to contribute to the correct waste management of PLA wastes

Import price inflation following the 2021 Suez canal blockage: (for)ever given or transitory?

Treball fi de màster de: Master's Degree in Economics and Finance. Curs 2021-2022Tutor: Isaac BaleyOur study uses an arguably exogenous supply chain shock generated by the March 2021 blockage of the Suez Canal to analyze contributions to import price inflation and transport method substitution. Using a quasi-experimental Event Study methodology to analyze European trade data, we identify upward pressure in import prices as well as an import quantity contraction. This suggests that supply chain disruptions may be a legitimate channel for inflation. We do not, however, identify any substitution effect; air travel does not appear to have been utilized more frequently as a result of the blockage.Nuestro estudio utiliza una perturbación de la cadena de suministro, posiblemente exógena, generada por el bloqueo del Canal de Suez en marzo de 2021, para analizar las contribuciones a la inflación de los precios de las importaciones y la sustitución del método de transporte. Utilizando una metodología cuasi-experimental de estudio de eventos para analizar los datos del comercio europeo, identificamos una presión al alza en los precios de las importaciones, así como una contracción de la cantidad de importaciones. Esto sugiere que las interrupciones de la cadena de suministro pueden ser un canal legítimo para la inflación. Sin embargo, no identificamos ningún efecto de sustitución; no parece que el transporte aéreo se haya utilizado con más frecuencia como consecuencia del bloqueo