BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT95-0837 - Novel Polyol Intermediates Derived from Biosustainable Starch for Polymer Technologies

FAIR-CT95-0837
Novel Polyol Intermediates Derived from Biosustainable Starch for Polymer Technologies - STARPOL

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Biopolymers/Gums : Economics : FAIR Area 1.2 - Green Chemicals and Polymers Chain : Paints/Coatings/Plastics : Process Engineering : Starch

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT95-0837
	Total Cost	1,798,560 ECU
	EC Contribution	899,280 ECU
	Start Date	01/01/1996
	Duration	36 Months

Novel polyol intermediates derived from biosustainable starch for polymer technologies

Objectives

The principal objective of this project is to generate a range of novel biosustainable polyols for use as alternative intermediates to the conventional petrochemically derived materials, which are used in the production of advanced polymers by a range of European chemical industries.

Technical Approach

The project is divided into the following 3 tasks:

Modification of starch

The objectives of task I are the supply of starch, which could be used for the production of novel polyols without modification, or after enzymatic pre-treatment. This topic includes the development of the reaction conditions and the catalysts, the characterisation of the synthesised polyols and the scale-up of the whole process.

New polymers based on novel polyols

The idea of this task is the synthesis of new polymers (polyesters, alkyd resins, and lattices) based on the novel polyols, which are produced by starch modification, including their characterisation and the evaluation of their properties.

Exploitation of novel materials

The aim of this part is the determination of the acceptance, followed by the introduction of the new polymeric materials into the specific market. Partners 2 and 4 will consider the exploitation, environmental, economic, and/or technological criteria.

Application

In particular, the project aims to develop the science and technology to facilitate a complete unified chain from the grower ("farmer") via the processor ("chemical industry") to the end user ("consumer"). This will enable greater use to be made of biosustainable resource (in this case starch) by the polymer-based industries in Europe. Such a step forward would enable these industries to offer confidently a sustainable cost-effective future range of products, which can compete effectively within a global market.

Results To Date

New polyol mixtures were synthesised. These mixtures were distilled, obtaining a diol fraction and a triol/tetrol fraction. Polyester resins were formed from the diol fraction and alkyd resins were produced from the triol/tetrol fraction. Some of these polymers matched standard products derived from petrochemicals.

Maize

Paints derived from alkyd resins

Contacts

Coordinator

Thomas HAAS / Degussa AG Dept SC-FE-IC / GERMANY

EC Scientific Officer

Ciarán MANGAN / European Commission - DG Research Quality of Life Programme - Unit B1.2 / BELGIUM

Participant