Production of Polyester Polyols from Bio-Based Chemicals

Declining fossil fuel reserves have led to significant price increases for petroleum and petroleum derivatives obtained from these sources. Additionally, due to the harm these sources cause to the environment and human health, there is a need for alternative resources. Bio-based chemicals have become the focus of increased research in recent years as alternatives to petroleum derivatives in polymer formulations, due to their sustainability and lack of harm to human health and the environment. The global bio-based chemical market, which was valued at USD 13 billion in 2018, is projected to reach approximately USD 85 billion by 2026 [1-7]. Polyester polyols, which are used in large volumes in polyurethane applications, are produced through polycondensation of dicarboxylic acids with diols. The monomers used determine the properties of the final product (flexibility, rigidity, softness, etc.). Aromatic structures increase rigidity and chemical resistance, while aliphatic structures increase flexibility. Aliphatic polyester polyols are used in elastomers, flexible foams, coatings, adhesives and sealant materials, while aromatic polyester polyols are used in the production of flexible-faced boards/panels, continuous and discontinuous rigid-faced boards, board stock, rigid spray foam, refrigeration/appliances, aerosol sprays, pipe-in-pipe insulation, coatings, adhesives, sealant materials and elastomers [8-10]. [caption id="attachment_135275" align="alignnone"] Figure 1. Current polyester polyol market size, 2027 market size projection and application areas [8-10].[/caption] In the production of commercial polyester polyols, chemical monomers derived from petroleum such as adipic acid, phthalic acid, pentaerythritol and trimethylol propane are used (Table 1). [caption id="attachment_135276" align="alignnone"] Table 1. Typical properties of polyester polyols [13].[/caption] As alternatives to these, bio-based chemicals such as succinic acid, glycerol, itaconic acid and lactic acid, which exhibit equivalent physical and chemical properties, have attracted attention due to their sustainability, environmental friendliness and safety for human health [11-13]. [caption id="attachment_135277" align="alignnone"] Figure 2. Adipic acid and succinic acid polyester polyol production [11].[/caption] İzel Kimya produces polyester polyols from bio-based raw materials and conducts research on their use in various application areas (polyurethane, UV curing, etc.). References: [1] https://www.turkchem.net/biyoesasli-yapistiricilarin-ahsap-esasli-levha-uretiminde-kullanimi.html [2] https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/bio-based-materials-market/ [3] https://www.ttgv.org.tr/tur/images/publications/604ce555e6ad5.pdf [4] https://www.stahl.com/polymers/bio-based-polymers [5] Judith Becker, Anna Lange, Jonathan Fabarius, Christoph Wittmann, Top value platform chemicals: bio-based production of organic acids, Current Opinion in Biotechnology, Volume 36, 2015, Pages 168-175. [6] Zhu, Y., Romain, C., & Williams, C. K. (2016). Sustainable polymers from renewable resources. Nature, 540(7633), 354-362. [7] Heinrich, L. A. (2019). Future opportunities for bio-based adhesives–advantages beyond renewability. Green Chemistry, 21(8), 1866-1888. [8] http://www.ialconsultants.com/uploads/CUBE_press_release/2019-02-25/Polyester%20Polyols%20Press%20Release% 202019.pdf [9] https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5141230/polyester-polyol-global-market-trajectory-and [10]https://www.utech-polyurethane.com/news/aliphatic-polyester-polyols-will-grow-by-4-2-ial-consultants [11] Gómez-Jiménez-Aberasturi, O. and Ochoa-Gómez, J.R. (2017), New approaches to producing polyols from biomass. J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol., 92: 705-711. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.5149 [12] Yazici, Tugba & çelebi, Mithat. (2016). Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-Based Polyester Polyol. Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society, Section A: Chemistry. 3. 721-730. 10.18596/jotcsa.287306. [13] https://poliuretanos.com.br/Ingles/Chapter1/15Polyester.htm  

Dr. Cemil Dizman M. R&D Manager İzel Kimya

Sc. Serap Sağlam R&D Researcher İzel Kimya