Location: Bio-oils Research
2020 Annual Report
Objectives
Objective 1: Enable the commercial production of monomers from biobased acids.
Sub-objective 1.A. Enable, from a technological standpoint, the commercial
conversion of fatty acids into olefinic hydrocarbon monomers.
Sub-objective 1.B. Enable the commercial production of oxygenated monomers from
biological feedstocks.
Objective 2: Enable the commercial production of polymers from acrylated and
epoxidized soybean oil (ESO).
Approach
The decarboxylation of fatty acids is thermodynamically favorable at temperatures
above 100 deg C. However, the barrier to decarboxylation is quite high, resulting in exceedingly slow rates at temperatures which are convenient for industrial
reactions. The barrier is influenced by the functional groups on the fatty acid,
especially those near the carbonyl carbon of the carboxylic acid moiety.
Specifically, a fatty acid with a double bond at the beta-gamma position undergoes
decarboxylation significantly faster than that of other positions. A process which
takes advantage of this phenomenon has already been demonstrated, in a preliminary
manner, utilizing a new ARS technology.
Cross-metathesis of methyl oleate with ethene in the presence of a Grubbs catalyst
yields methyl 9-decenoate (M9D) and 1-decene. M9D will serve as a platform chemical for readily polymerizable monomers, whereas 1-decene already has established commercial outlets as a monomer for industrial poly alpha olefins. Anticipated commercial applications of materials derived from M9D include as components in adhesives, coatings, latexes, and sealants. Separation of M9D from 1-decene and unreacted methyl oleate (if present) will be accomplished using methods selected for economic and practical considerations.
There are currently many different 3D printing technologies available. The use of
this additive technology has many advantages including efficient use of materials,
versatility and ability to produce different shapes at only the touch of a button.
However, the amount of available materials useful for these printing technologies
has fallen behind the printing hardware itself.
Progress Report
This bridging project plan 5010-41000-186-00D replaces 5010-41000-170-00D. Project plan is currently under review by 306 OSQR cycle.
Accomplishments
