Students of the Silesian University of Technology with third place in EkoMasters 2024
M.Sc. Eng. Michał Gocki, a PhD student of the Silesian University of Technology from the Scientific and Didactic Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Material Technologies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and Patryk Kowalczyk, a student of our University, took third place in the EkoMasters 2024 competition for the project “Closed Circuit System of Polymer Materials in the University’s Units using 3D Printing and Plastic Recycling Technology”.
This year’s edition of the EkoMasters 2024 competition was attended by dozens of teams from all over Poland, who submitted innovative projects – they were evaluated by both the jury and the audience as part of the Internet users’ vote.
The competition was implemented as a public task co-financed from funds received in 2024 from the Minister of Science as part of the competition “Organizing and animating activities for the benefit of the academic community.”
The aim of the competition was to involve participants in the development of initiatives that could contribute to the implementation of real changes at universities.
- In particular, it was about actions that could lead to a change in the organization of universities or units, taking into account sustainable development and reducing the negative impact of the university's activities on the environment. Such projects could concern, for example, waste management, reduction of energy consumption, introduction of greener transport modes, as well as improving the efficiency of the use of natural resources at the university. Another important goal of the project was to influence the attitudes and behaviours of members of the academic community, including students, scientific and administrative staff, in the direction of increasing their environmental awareness - explains M.Sc. Michał Gocki.
The aim of the Eko Masters project was to create a space for the development of creative and innovative ideas that will contribute to improving the impact of the university on the natural environment.
“It was about creating a comprehensive system that would enable effective management of polymer materials generated by our students. The main goal was to introduce the concept of circular economy at the university level, which will allow to minimize waste of materials and reduce the costs associated with the purchase of new filaments for 3D printers There are many 3D printers in our faculty, which are intensively used during laboratory classes, design classes and during the implementation of individual student works. Each of these activities generates a significant amount of polymer waste, in the form of unsuccessful prints, residues from printing processes and unused fragments of materials. In response to this problem, a system has been developed that ensures the collection, sorting, processing, and production of new filaments from polymer waste. This allows students to use recycled materials, which reduces the need for new raw materials, while promoting environmental attitudes and environmental responsibility.”
An integral part of the project were also material studies, which aimed to determine whether the printing materials are suitable for re-processing into new filaments.
“For this purpose, a number of analyses were carried out, including rheological and mechanical studies. The results of these studies have shown that the properties of recycled polymer materials deteriorate somewhat compared to virgin materials. It turned out that they are sufficient for use in 3D printing technology, which allows them to be reused” – explains our interlocutor. - “ The project not only provided a practical solution to the problem of polymer waste at the university, but also contributed to the popularization of the idea of sustainable development among students and employees. In addition, the acquired knowledge of the properties of recycled materials provides a valuable basis for further research and improvement of recycling technologies in the academic environment”.
Taking the third place in the nationwide competition is a great distinction and a reason to be proud of the representatives of the Silesian University of Technology.
- “We are among young, ambitious people who actively work to change the world around them. What is particularly inspiring is the fact that the common goal of the competition participants was to search for innovative solutions in the field of environmental protection, which emphasizes the importance of scientific research in building a sustainable future” – concludes the MSc Eng. Michał Gocki. – “We are glad that we were able to present our project in such a prestigious event, which gathers people with similar passions and commitment. This award proves to us that our efforts are recognized and appreciated in the wider scientific community.”
