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Difference between revisions of "Polymerisation"
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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== | ==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 CO<sub>2</sub>, terpenes, and furfural.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|title=Sustainable polymers from biomass: Bridging chemistry with materials and processing|year=2020-02-01|journal=Progress in Polymer Science|volume=101|page=101197|doi=10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2019.101197|author=Zhongkai Wang, Mitra S. Ganewatta, Chuanbing Tang}}</ref> 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== | ==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.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
==Product== | ==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.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
==Technology providers== | ==Technology providers== | ||
[space for technology comparison] | [space for technology comparison] | ||