Synthesis of Bio-based and Biodegradable polymers from monomers from renewable Biowastes via Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry to contribute to European Circular Bioeconomy

ongoing

POLYMERS-5B aims to develop novel alternative biobased polymers synthesized from biobased monomers (diacids, diols, diamines, hydroxyacids, aminoacids, aromatic and phenolic compounds, fatty acids, oils, furans), sourced from underexploited second generation (2G) feedstocks such as agri/food waste (Tomato and Olive wastes) and biomass (wood pulp and lignin derivatives), obeying the food first and cascading principle. The project will resort to Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry processes to generate novel biobased polymers like polyesters and polyamides with pendent functional groups, (e.g., hydroxy, carboxylic, amine, epoxy, thiol, others), polyphenols and poly-furans, that mimic fossil-based polymers properties (e.g., polyethene terephthalate-PET, Polyurethanes-PUs, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-ABS, Amine and other polymeric resins), targeting improved biodegradability. These new polymers will be blended to provide valuable bio-composites and polymeric materials for the textile, automotive, furniture and polymeric resin markets. Machine Learning (ML) tools will drive the optimization of the developed technologies towards minimum resource usage “zero waste” and “zero pollution”, while technological, economic, and environmental sustainability aspects will be incorporated early in the design phase by adopting Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approaches. This sustainable strategy will contribute to an increase in the availability of monomers, bio-based polymers & plastic materials synthesized in the EU, that meet the Green Deal targets, reducing the carbon footprint and dependency on fossil-based raw materials and derivatives.