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The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the ever-increasing environmental consciousness have turned researchers towards the investigation of new scientifically sound and sustainable solutions. Lignocellulosic biomass has been recognized as a carbon-rich alternative to fossil resources, not only for producing fuels and energy but also for developing biobased chemicals, monomers and polymers. However, sustainability does not rely only on the utilization of renewable resources but also requires the development of benign and efficient industrial chemical processes.
When it comes to commercial epoxy resins, are usually based on bisphenol A (BPA). However, due to BPA’s toxicity associated with adverse health effects on humans, there has been a pressing need to explore safer and greener alternatives. Within this context, the FreeMe project aims to the development of bio-based epoxy and epoxy-acrylate monomers/resins, utilizing biomass-derived platform chemicals, such as Isosorbide and Itaconic acid. These two highly functional chemicals can be produced from glucose (product of enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of cellulose) via hydrogenation/dehydration and fermentation, respectively.
Through knowledge-based experimental design and systematic optimization of reaction conditions, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – AUTH has achieved to synthesize high-quality glycidylized isosorbide and itaconic acid-based monomers/oligomers, which were further successfully subjected to thermal and UV photopolymerization, showcasing the potential of these biobased resins towards a variety of applications with regard to curing protocol requirements.
FreeMe’s main goal, is the development of novel processes for the metallization of plastic products/surfaces, via replacing traditional toxic or costly reagents and treatments, such as the use of hexavalent chromium and palladium. At the core of FreeMe project lies the utilization of UV curable epoxy resins that will act as “interface” between the plastic and the final conductive nickel-based layer. To this end, the next goal is the development of novel composites of biobased epoxies containing nickel nanoparticles that will serve as the necessary nuclei for the subsequent electroless deposition of the final conductive metal (nickel) layer.
