Descripción del proyecto
Plásticos más ecológicos con aceites esenciales de plantas y árboles
Es difícil concebir la sociedad previa al uso masivo de plásticos y, sin embargo, sería casi impensable eliminar totalmente los plásticos de nuestra vida. Una investigación puntera trabaja en el desarrollo de polímeros de origen biológico como alternativa a aquellos producidos con hidrocarburos derivados de combustibles fósiles, como el polietileno, el polipropileno y el poliéster. Su labor reducirá la dependencia de las reservas de combustibles fósiles, cada vez menores, aumentará la reciclabilidad y la biodegradabilidad, y limitará el impacto ambiental de los plásticos. El proyecto SUPREME, financiado con fondos europeos, promoverá este plan al desarrollar polímeros sintetizados a partir de terpenos —moléculas de hidrocarburos naturales presentes en aceites esenciales vegetales— mediante el empleo de catalizadores rentables y respetuosos con el medio ambiente.
Objetivo
Synthetic polymers derived from petrochemical products are essential for the production of a wide range of consumer products. The demand for more sustainable and renewable monomers and polymers is currently increasing, because fossil feedstock will become scarce in future times, and the global legislation is putting an increasing stress on the use of certain monomers used in the polymer industry. The aliphatic polyesters represent one of the most appealing type of bioplastic materials, because of their general biocompatibility and facile hydrolytic degradation and, in this ambit, the use of terpenes as monomers or monomer-precursors is largely unexplored. The primary objective of this project, is the creation of new polyester formulations based on renewable and accessible terpene monomers to answer to the growing need for future generations of more functional and sustainable materials. Three renewable monomers have been selected, two derived from camphor and a new one from β-elemene. Structurally new polyesters will be synthesized by ring opening (co)polymerization of these monomers, using catalytic systems based on cheap and health-friendly metals (Fe, Al). The use of the new β-elemene based monomer will incorporate vinylic groups along the polymer chains, offering the possibility for post-modification of the obtained material. The success of the project is supported by the Experienced Researcher background in polymer synthesis with the Host experience in the discovery and catalytic valorization of new terpene scaffolds. The action will take place in an interdisciplinary and international environment, granting to the Experienced Researcher a solid train in scientific and soft skills needed for his future career. The results of the action will have a strong impact on the society, giving the opportunity to asses circular economy on a highly impact industrial sector, such as that of bio-polymers.
Ámbito científico
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinador
43007 Tarragona
España