Biomass-Derived Polymers

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Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel synthetic strategy for the fabrication of biomass-derived polymers incorporating underutilized lignin derivatives. Background Polyamide polymers and benzoxazine resins are important materials used in a wide variety of products and manufacturing including the automotive, plastics, and nylons industries. Current methods to produce these polymers and resins utilize a diminishing supply of petroleum-based chemical precursors. While there has been some work identifying biomass-derived materials, they are typically mechanically weaker or have a reduced material lifespan. As the only natural aromatic polymer source, lignin could replace petroleum-derived aromatics in the synthesis of aromatic-based commodity polymeric materials. Innovation Use of biomass-derived reagents for the creation of polyamide polymers, co-polymers, and resinsPolymers fabricated through their new synthetic route incorporate underutilized chemicals derived from renewable lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks Applications: Monolignol-based polyamide polymers  Textiles (e.g. nylons, Nomex, and Kevlar)Bioplastics Monolignol-based polyamide graft co-polymers of itaconic acid and Tulipalin A Flocculants to remove heavy metals from solutionWater remediation and processingHighly absorbent polymers   Monolignol-based benzoxazines and polybenzoxazines Thermoset resinMechanical and structural resin Advantages: This technology utilizes biomass to generate polymers with properties similar to commercially available materials. - See more at: https://techtransfer.universityofcalifornia.edu/NCD/27588.html#sthash.nsr2oeFY.dpuf