Achieving Circular Economy Through P&C-Nano: Sustainability and SupplyChain Perspectives

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a very popular field of research, and it encompasses almost all technical disciplines due the wide range of applications of the nanomaterials. It is possible to develop nanomaterials from several precursors including polymers, metals, waste plastics, agricultural waste, etc. Polymers are one of the widely used feed materials for developing nanomaterials. On the other hand, the nanoceramic is an area of research which has enormous application in various fields including biotechnology, materials science, and even genetics. Nanotechnology has been applied in the field of environmental engineering for quite some time. Sometimes, there have been requirements to enhance mechanical strengths, durability, stability, catalyst efficiency, etc. of the nanomaterials. Those engineering challenges can be addressed combining the advantages of both polymer nanotechnology and nanoceramics. A relatively new term known as polymer and ceramic nanotechnology (P&C-Nano) can be used to describe materials of such nature. The benefits of polymer, ceramics, as well as nanotechnology are fused within P&C-Nano. This opens a new horizon of opportunities to the researchers. However, an efficient supply chain network needs to be designed for resource circulation. This will help not only achieving SDGs but also circular economy (CE). In this chapter, selected application areas of P&C-Nano have been reviewed. A novel supply chain-based framework has been developed addressing the concepts of circular economy. The chapter is expected to be beneficial to the researchers, policymakers, businessmen, and other relevant stakeholders. � Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.