Bio-based Monomers for Polymers and Plastics

This technology introduces novel monomers synthesized from biomass, particularly lignin and cellulose. The disclosed monomers include functionalized derivatives of lignin-based phenolic compounds such as vanillin, eugenol, and syringaldehyde, as well as furan-based monomers derived from cellulose. These compounds serve as key building blocks for the production of high-value polymers.

The process involves:

Lignin Depolymerization: Breaking down lignin into phenolic monomers, which can be further modified into bifunctional monomers containing hydroxyl, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, amine, and ester groups.
Furan-Based Monomers: Deriving 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from cellulose, which can be converted into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and other useful intermediates for polymer synthesis.
Polymerization: The monomers can be polymerized into nylons, polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyamides using free radical polymerization and other techniques.

By utilizing biomass as a raw material, this technology provides a sustainable route to produce essential chemicals that can replace petroleum-based monomers in industrial applications.