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Research Project: Increasing the Value of Cottonseed

Location: Commodity Utilization Research

Title: Green polymer chemistry: pipelines toward new products and processes

Author
item Cheng, Huai
item GROSS, RICHARD - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
item SMITH, PATRICK - Michigan State University

Submitted to: American Chemistry Society Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/10/2018
Publication Date: 11/26/2018
Citation: Cheng, H.N., Gross, R.A., Smith, P.B. 2018. Green polymer chemistry: pipelines toward new products and processes. In: Cheng, H.N., Gross, R.A., Smith, P.B., Editors. Green Polymer Chemistry: New Products, Processes, and Applications. ACS Symposium Series. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. p. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2018-1310.ch001
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2018-1310.ch001

Interpretive Summary: Green polymer chemistry represents an active area of research and development (R&D) that continues to grow in its influence over laboratory and industrial practices. Product development in this area can be envisioned as pipelines, starting with biobased source materials, through green conversion methods and processing technologies, to give green and eco-friendly products. In order to obtain optimal results, the entire pipelines need to be managed to optimize opportunities and minimize cost. Examples are given in this article to illustrate how the different components of the pipelines can be enhanced. This article also serves as an introductory chapter to the book on “Green Polymer Chemistry: New Products, Processes, and Applications.” Hopefully this article (and the book) will be useful to scientists, engineers, and students who are engaged in the R&D of green polymer chemistry.

Technical Abstract: The quest for green chemistry that reduces or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in polymer products and processes represents an opportunity for polymer scientists and engineers. Indeed, the need to promote safety, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and to reduce plastic waste and energy usage is widely recognized. As a result, intense research activities are ongoing worldwide to develop green polymer products and processes. Advances have been made in many areas, including new source materials, green conversion methods, new or improved processing, and green polymer-related products. In this article, an overview is provided of green polymer chemistry, particularly emphasizing the different ways whereby new products and processes have been made. Selected examples are provided, particularly from the articles included in this symposium volume and from the presentations given during a Green Polymer Chemistry symposium at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting in Washington,DC (August 2017).