Bio-Based ACDMT Composition for Biodegradable Rheology Modifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for sustainable, biodegradable thickening agents with excellent performance, as existing materials derived from crude oil face environmental and economic limitations, and there is a lack of renewable building blocks suitable for polymers used in such applications.
Innovation Solution
The synthesis of bio-based acryloyldimethyltaurate (ACDMT) with a bio-based carbon content ranging from 28 wt.% to 100 wt.% is achieved using genetically engineered microbes, acrylonitrile, isobutene, and sulfuric acid, enabling the production of high-performance polymers suitable for use as rheology modifiers and thickening agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic surfactants and thickeners are used to achieve desired performance, then functional effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and sustainability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of carbon source from fossil-based to bio-based, transforming the chemical composition and origin of the thickening agents while maintaining their functional performance. This substitution of raw material origin resolves the contradiction by providing environmentally friendly alternatives that deliver the same rheological modification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources that can naturally decompose after use, replacing persistent synthetic materials. This approach allows the thickening agents to fulfill their functional role temporarily and then break down harmlessly, eliminating long-term environmental accumulation while maintaining effectiveness during service.
2Adaptability or versatility
If renewable raw materials are used to produce bio-based chemicals, then sustainability is improved, but availability of suitable building blocks for polymer synthesis is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of creating sustainable polymers into manageable steps: first producing bio-based platform chemicals (acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, isobutene) through established biochemical routes, then combining these building blocks using conventional polymerization techniques. This segmentation makes the manufacturing process achievable with existing technology while ensuring sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bio-based platform chemicals as intermediary substances that bridge renewable resources and final polymer products. These intermediaries (acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, isobutene) serve as versatile building blocks that can be produced from various biomass sources and then processed into diverse polymer products, resolving the availability challenge.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If bio-based monomers are used to synthesize polymers, then biodegradability is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal bio-based building blocks (acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, isobutene) that can serve multiple functions and be processed through standard industrial polymerization equipment. These versatile intermediaries can be combined in various ratios and configurations to produce different polymer properties, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer systems by combining bio-based monomers in specific formulations (e.g., copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylonitrile). These composite materials leverage the beneficial properties of each component while maintaining biodegradability and can be manufactured using conventional polymerization processes with minor adaptations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides high-purity bio-based ACDMT with a significant proportion of renewable carbon, resulting in recyclable and biodegradable polymers that offer excellent performance as rheology modifiers and thickening agents, reducing environmental impact while maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
WO 2014086780 (Global Bioenergies) discloses a fermentation method for several olefins including propene and isobutene
Implementation Method 2
The synthesis of bio-based acryloyldimethyltaurate (ACDMT) with a bio-based carbon content ranging from 28 wt.% to 100 wt.% is achieved using genetically engineered microbes, acrylonitrile, isobutene, and sulfuric acid
Implementation Method 3
Other aspects relate to compounds, polymers, processes and uses related to the compound of the first aspect
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a compound according to Formula (3), wherein the compound comprises from 28 wt.% to 100 wt.% bio-based carbon content, relative to the total mass of carbon in the compound, measured according to standard ASTM D6866-12, Method B; and wherein X+ is a proton. The present invention also relates to a polymer obtained by polymerising at least one of said compound, in addition to processes and uses related thereto.