Lignin-Derived Cyclocarbonate Monomers for Isocyanate-Free Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polyurethanes (PUs) and polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) face challenges due to the use of toxic isocyanates, poor reactivity, and limited properties, particularly when using lignin-based biobased components, which hinder the development of more sustainable and high-performance materials.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to prepare lignin hydrogenolysis oil derived cyclocarbonate mixtures by reacting lignin-derived glycidyl ethers with ionic liquids and carbon dioxide, which efficiently transforms these compounds into cyclocarbonates, enabling the formation of biobased polymers like polyurethanes and polyhydroxyurethanes without toxic isocyanates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polyurethanes are produced using petroleum-based polyols and isocyanates, then good mechanical properties and thermal stability are achieved, but toxic isocyanates must be used and environmental sustainability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the toxic isocyanate component from the polyurethane synthesis system by replacing it with cyclic carbonate monomers that react with polyols through carbonylation chemistry, thereby removing the harmful substance while maintaining polymer formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the synthesis route by using cyclic carbonate monomers with specific functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, methoxyl) that enable polymerization without isocyanates, altering the reaction mechanism from isocyanate-based to carbonylation-based chemistry
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biobased polyols derived from lignin are used to replace petroleum-based polyols, then environmental sustainability is improved, but poor polymer performance results due to high molecular weight and polydispersity of technical lignins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high molecular weight technical lignin into lower molecular weight cyclic carbonate monomers through controlled depolymerization, reducing polydispersity and improving compatibility and reactivity in polymer formulations while maintaining the biobased origin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameters and functional group distribution of lignin derivatives by using mild fractionation and depolymerization conditions, transforming technical lignin into monomers with optimized properties for polymer synthesis
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ring opening of cyclic carbonates with diamines is used to form polyhydroxyurethanes, then toxic isocyanates are avoided and CO2 utilization is improved, but poor reactivity at room temperature and low degrees of polymerization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the reaction by conducting it at elevated temperatures and under CO2 pressure, thereby increasing the reactivity of cyclic carbonate monomers and achieving higher degrees of polymerization without isocyanates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary functional group modifications on lignin-derived monomers to enhance their reactivity toward diamines, ensuring that the ring-opening polymerization proceeds efficiently at practical reaction conditions
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 method improves the reactivity and properties of biobased polymers, enhancing thermal and chemical resistance, and allows for the production of high-performance materials with improved mechanical resilience and thermal stability.
Implementation Method 1
reacting lignin-derived glycidyl ethers with ionic liquids and carbon dioxide, which efficiently transforms these compounds into cyclocarbonates
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the present invention relates to lignin-derived monomers, as well as polymers prepared with these lignin-derived monomers. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods to prepare these monomers from feedstock rich in lignin, such as lignocellulosic biomass, as well as methods to prepare polymers with the obtained monomers.