Carbohydrate based Polymers using Deep Eutectic Solvents as Binders

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The aim of this research project is to take carbohydrates, which are renewable, carbon neutral, polymers and make them into functional materials with a variety of properties using a range of biodegradeable binders. Deep eutectic solvents (DES)are liquids formed between a hydrogen bond donor and a quaternary ammoium salt. They are ideal for the purpose of modifying carbohydrates because they interact strongly with the hydroxyl groups on the glucose sub-units to decrease interchain interactions and plasticize the polymer. They can also act to wet the surface of the individual grains and bind them together. By changing the properties of the DES it should be possible to vary the binding and plasticizing properties and therefore make a range of materials with different properties.