Biomass-based Commodity Polymers from 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

A shift from conventional petrochemical feedstocks towards biomass-based feedstocks is of both environmental and economical importance for the future production of commodity chemicals. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a versatile biomass-derived platform compound that can be used to synthesize a broad range of chemicals currently derived from petroleum, such as furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDA). A large-scale, sustainable use of HMF will require cellulosic biomass as feed. Conversion of cellulose to HMF or even glucose has been the primary bottleneck limiting energy-efficient and economical utilization of cellulosic biomass. Lynntech proposes to develop a simple, green, and scalable process to convert cellulose to HMF directly. HMF will be converted to FDA and 5-methoxymethyl-2-vinylfuran (MMVF) and their polymers will be synthesized to demonstrate the feasibility of using lignocellulosic biomass to produce commodity polymers. The Phase I project will establish the proof-of-concept of this approach, including conversion of corn stover to HMF using new low-cost solvents and nontoxic catalysts, production of FDA by aerobic catalytic reactions, and production of a polyamide from FDA and a vinyl polymer from MMVF. In Phase II of the research, Lynntech will optimize the processes for scalable production of HMF, develop a spectrum of polymers (polyesters, polyamides, and PET-like polymers), and partner with a commercial biofuel and bioproduct manufacturer to scale up the processes and produce commercial biomass-based polymers for applications. Biomass-based polymers offering significantly enviromental and economical benefits to our society and human lives.