Polymerisation

Technology
Technology details
Name:	Polymerisation
Category:	Conversions
Feedstock:	Single molecules, monomers
Product:	Polymers (polyolefins, polycondensates)

Polymerisation (polymerization in American English) is the process of reaction smaller molecules, i.e. monomers, together into a chain or network, i.e. a polymer. There are many forms of polymerisation reactions. A common distinction is between homopolymers, where one type of monomer forms the polymer, and co-polymers, where multiple different monomers make up the polymer. A well-known application of polymers is in plastics. However, polymerisations can also lead to smaller chains, known as oligomers, which are for example used as plasticisers and lubricants.

Feedstock

Several bio-based feedstock options have been explored for the production of bio-based polymers. Lignin can be depolymerised and the obtained products can be used as monomers. Ethanol from fermentations can be processed to produce ethylene, a common feedstock for polymerisations. Fatty acids can be used in long-chain linear aliphatic polymers. Other biomass feedstock includes CO₂, terpenes, and furfural. High purity of the feedstock is crucial for successful polymerisation reactions, which are highly susceptible to pollutants, often leading to lower polymerisation grades or smaller polymerisation chains.

Process and technologies

There has been signifcant effort to produce polymers from biomass rest streams. The key challenge lies in producing materials that have comparable or improved properties to their fossil-based counterparts. The right processing, which is often neglected by chemists, plays a crucial role in enhancing the material properties.

Product

Three critical processes to obtain sustainable bio-based polymers are the conversion of lignin monomers to polymers, the production of bio-based polyolefins, for example from ethylene via the ethanol route, and the production of long-chain aliphatic polycondensates, which can be obtained from fatty acids.

Technology providers

Technology comparison

Company name	Country	Technology category	Technology name	TRL	Capacity [kg/h]	Catalyst	Residence time [h]	Temperature [°C]	Feedstock: Food waste	Feedstock: Garden & park waste
Company 1	[Country HQ location]	[Technology category (if different sub-categories are defined this has to be specified here, the available categories can be found on each technology page under the chapter Process and technologies)]	[Technology name (the "branded name" or the usual naming from company side)]	[4-9]	[numeric value]				●	●
Company 2	[Country HQ location]	[(if different sub-categories are defined this has to be specified here, the available categories can be found on each technology page under the chapter Process and technologies)]	[Technology name (the "branded name" or the usual naming from company side)]	[4-9]	[numeric value]				●	●

Patents

Currently no patents have been identified yet.