POLYMERS-5B aims to develop novel alternative bio-based
POLYMERS-5B
POLYMERS-5B aims to develop novel alternative bio-based polymers synthesized from bio-based monomers (diacids, diols, diamines, hydroxyacids, aminoacids, aromatic and phenolic compounds, fatty acids, oils, furans), sourced from underexploited second generation (2G) feedstocks such as agri-food waste (Tomato and Olive wastes) and biomass (wood pulp and lignin derivatives), obeying the food first and cascading principle.
The project
The project will resort to Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry
The project will resort to Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry processes to generate novel bio-based polymers like polyesters and polyamides with pendent functional groups, (e.g., hydroxy, carboxylic, amine, epoxy, thiol, others), polyphenols and poly-furans, that mimic fossil-based polymers properties, targeting improved biodegradability.
New polymers
These new polymers will be blended to provide valuable bio-composites and polymeric materials
These new polymers will be blended to provide valuable bio-composites and polymeric materials for the textile, automotive, furniture and polymeric resin markets. Machine Learning (ML) tools will drive the optimization of the developed technologies towards minimum resource usage “zero waste” and “zero pollution”, while technological, economic, and environmental sustainability aspects will be incorporated early in the design phase by adopting Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approaches.
This sustainable strategy will contribute to an increase in the availability of monomers, bio-based polymers & plastic materials synthesized in the EU, that meet the Green Deal targets, reducing the carbon footprint and dependency on fossil-based raw materials and derivatives.
Overall concept
POLYMERS-5B is unlocking a wider range of bio-based products that meet market demands.
POLYMERS-5B is unlocking a wider range of bio-based products that meet market demands. This is transforming the European industrial plastics sector into a robust bio-based production system. By doing so, POLYMERS-5B is ensuring improved sustainability, safety, and circularity compared to current methods.
IMPACT
POLYMERS-5B’s expected impacts include:
Project focus
Bio-based polymers & plastics
The project resort to Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry processes to generate novel bio-based polymers like polyesters and polyamides with pendent functional groups, (e.g., hydroxy, carboxylic, amine, epoxy, thiol, others), polyphenols and poly-furans, that mimic fossil-based polymers properties), targeting improved biodegradability.