Novel Polymers Derived from Sustainable Building Block Monomers

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The central focus of my research program is to advance the fundamental chemistry and applications of sustainable biomass resources that are abundant, inexpensive, and non-food based into commercial polymers with properties and characteristics suitable to replace current petroleum-based resins. The Biomass resource, recovered as waste product from forestry and the Pulp and Paper Industry, in the form of Rosin acids or Lignin by-products will be used exclusively in this effort. The primary focus of this application will target commercial Bisphenol A polymer (BPA) replacement. Canada, along with the Europe, as well as several US states are targeting a complete ban of this chemical linked to various human health problems. The most prevalent applications of BPA are in the construction industry (sheeting), packaging, automotive parts, toys, compact discs, DVDs, safety equipment, LCD screens, coatings, consumer parts, inks, toners, and 3D Printing filament. Many of the properties associated with these products include high performance, hydrophobic, clarity, hydrolytic stability, oxygen permeability, and above all, low cost. Our proposed research program, outlines novel chemistry through alternative process, methodology, and HPQ training for future graduates, that can impact commercially viable sustainable alternatives to petro-based polymers. Our research program will be directed towards the synthesis, development, properties and processing of sustainable building block monomers and corresponding polymers. The overall aim of this project is to develop the chemistry and engineering required to transform waste biomass into a commodity polymer, specifically polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides and polyurethanes. These polymers are typically produced from building blocks comprised primarily of di-functional monomers via polycondensation reactions. The proposed aforementioned Biomass sources comprised of Rosin acids, and lignin degradation by-products, are mostly mono-functional or lack any functionality, and the key to this research program is to convert these sustainable materials into difunctional monomers, followed by polymerization via cost-effective means. We will apply the principles of Green Chemistry and Engineering into all of our designs, for both monomer and polymerization process by bulk reactions as well as reactive extrusion to avoid the use of organic solvents. Reactive extrusion is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly method to produce new materials with enhanced performance properties. At present, reactive extrusion allows in-situ polymerization, modification/functionalization of polymers or chemical bonding of two (or more) immiscible phases. Although reactive extrusion has been known for many years, its application for processing of bio-based polymer blends and composites is a relatively new direction of scientific research.