When some smaller molecules are joined together to create very long molecules called polymers, this process is called polymerization. Many polymers are made naturally from chemicals that are obtained from crude oil. It is, however, also possible to create polymers artificially and this technology can rival polymers made from fossil fuels and thus minimize the impact on the environment.
From the environmental perspective, polymerization of biobased monomers is an important step for developing plastics, resins and coatings from plant materials can compete with their fossil counterparts. However, in many countries this remains something confined to the laboratory due to the lack of pilot facilities for this process to happen on a large, commercial scale.
One such area is with The Netherlands. This is set to change, according to Wageningen University & Research’s Christiaan Bolck (who heads up the Biobased Performance Materials Programme), with industry, regional bodies and research institutes helping to propel two new initiatives. The aim of both projects is to develop an open access pilot plant for polymerization.
In communication with Digital Journal, Dr. Bolck explains the economic complexities: “When the end market is not sufficiently in sight, a dedicated polymerisation pilot plant is often too costly and risky for individual companies.” However, the researcher adds: “This is why the Biobased Performance Materials program aims to scale up the production of new polymers with open access pilot initiatives that can result in unique properties and/or application possibilities…Due to the economic opportunities for upscaling – and potential spin-off – it would be best if such a pilot is linked to a suitable industrial infrastructure.”
The first pilot facility, planned in Etten-Leur, is focused on ring-opening polymerisation of biobased monomers. The second pilot facility is planned in Emmen, at the Sustainable Polymer Innovation Campus (SPIC). The second study will look at multifilament yarns or monofilaments for 3D printing, based on the process polycondensation polymerization.
This means the two pilot studies are going along two different routes: ring-opening and polycondensation. Condensation polymerization, as a contrast, normally involves the generation of small molecule products, like water; whereas the former process does not. Both hold the possibility of transforming the Dutch fossil plastics economy into a ‘greener’ biobased economy.
