The development of functional polymers from unsaturated oils and fats

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Materials derived from renewable resources can replace those traditionally produced from petrochemicals, leading to lower fossil fuel consumption and overall greenhouse gas emissions. National programs like the US BioPreferred program aim “to increase the purchase and use of biobased products” which are “derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials.” Consequently, it is becoming easier for consumers to choose products with verified biobased compositions and there is an economic incentive for industries to use biobased materials. ******My research group, the University of Alberta Lipid Chemistry Group, is developing biobased chemicals and materials that are largely derived from oilseed crops grown on the Canadian prairies. Recently, we have submitted 6 patent applications relating to aspects of making and reinforcing biobased polyols and epoxy resins from canola and other local plant oils. One technology is now licensed to a Canadian company who now operate a polyol plant in B.C. Based on this product, and our formulations, an Alberta company will assemble a blending facility for the production of canola-based polyurethane (PU) foam building insulation. However, the design of biobased polyol successfully incorporated into rigid PU spray-foam materials may not be optimal for other PU applications. Indeed there are many types of petrochemical polyols on the market that cover a wide range of molecular size and functionality. Hence, we are developing strategies for oleochemical transformations that facilitate the preparation of a wide range of chemical derivatives and polyols from oils that are almost exclusively triacylglycerides. ******In this Discovery proposal we will explore the preparation of biobased polyol derivatives and formulations that are multifunctional when used in polymers and resins. For example, they would be able to simultaneously crosslink into a polymer matrix and provide added fire retardancy, photosensitivity, biodegradeability or anti-microbial activity. A related aim of the research is to develop lipid derivatives that can be used in non-isocyanate PU to overcome the need for toxic diisocyanates in PU production. ******Overall, these Discovery studies will be used to further our basic understanding of the structure-function relationships, reaction conditions and analytical methodology needed to create multi-functional lipid-based polymers. These proof-of-principle demonstrations are critical to obtain further funding for applied research projects with industry participation.