Bio-based EVA Copolymers from Renewable Carbon
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low carbon economy by developing sustainable materials that minimize carbon footprint, particularly in the production of polyolefin copolymers like ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which are widely used but typically sourced from fossil fuels.
Innovation Solution
The development of bio-based ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers where ethylene is partially sourced from renewable carbon sources, such as plant materials, through fermentation and dehydration processes, combined with peroxide agents and blowing agents to create curable and expandable polymer compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If ethylene is sourced from fossil fuels to produce EVA copolymers, then production cost and processability are maintained, but greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter of ethylene from fossil fuels to renewable biomass sources, transforming the carbon origin while maintaining the chemical identity and polymerization properties of ethylene. This allows production of EVA copolymers with reduced carbon footprint while preserving manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a bio-based ethylene that copies the chemical properties and polymerization behavior of conventional fossil-based ethylene, allowing the same polymerization processes to produce bio-based EVA copolymers with identical performance characteristics but reduced environmental impact
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ethylene is sourced from renewable biomass through fermentation and dehydration, then carbon footprint is reduced, but production complexity and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the production process into distinct stages: biomass feedstock preparation, fermentation to produce ethanol, dehydration to produce ethylene, and polymerization to produce EVA copolymers. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and facilitates integration with existing industrial processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ethanol as an intermediary substance in the transformation from biomass to ethylene. The fermentation process converts biomass to ethanol, which then serves as the intermediate that is dehydrated to produce ethylene monomer for polymerization, bridging the gap between renewable resources and polymer production
3Object-generated harmful factors
If bio-based ethylene is used to produce EVA copolymers, then sustainability is enhanced, but material availability and supply chain stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes biomass resources that can serve multiple functions: the same biomass feedstock can be used for energy production, chemical synthesis, or direct polymer production. This multi-functionality enhances the reliability of the supply chain by allowing flexible allocation of biomass resources based on market conditions and production needs
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 significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions, enhances sustainability by utilizing renewable resources, and produces materials with improved physical properties, such as density and hardness, while meeting regulatory targets for reducing climate change impact.
Implementation Method 1
fermenting a renewable source of carbon to produce ethanol; dehydration of ethanol to produce ethylene
Implementation Method 2
dehydration of ethanol to produce ethylene
Implementation Method 3
polymerizing ethylene at least partially obtained from a renewable source of carbon with vinyl acetate to produce the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer
Implementation Method 4
a curable polymer composition that includes a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, in which the ethylene is at least partially obtained from a renewable source of carbon, and at least a peroxide agent
Implementation Method 5
an expandable polymer composition that includes a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, in which the ethylene is at least partially obtained from a renewable source of carbon, and at least a blowing agent and a peroxide agent
Data Source
AI summary
A copolymer may include ethylene and vinyl acetate, in which the ethylene is at least partially obtained from a renewable source of carbon. Embodiments may also be directed to curable polymer compositions, expandable polymer compositions, articles, cured articles, and expanded articles formed from or including such copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, in which the ethylene is at least partially obtained from a renewable source of carbon. A process for producing an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer may include fermenting a renewable source of carbon to produce ethanol; dehydrating the ethanol, wherein the ethanol is dehydrated to produce ethylene; and polymerizing ethylene and vinyl acetate to produce the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.