Description:
Reference #: 01225
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for the preparation of Maleate and Maleimide Monomers and Polymers from Triglycerides
Invention Description:
The subject invention is a synthetic approach to the preparation of MALEATE and MALEIMIDE monomers and their polymers from plant oils. This approach is simple, low cost and scalable. These monomers and materials can replace petroleum-based chemicals, fuels and materials.
Background:
Most polymers derived from triglycerides are thermosetting and non-processable. This invention solves the “processability” problem by making versatile fatty derivatives from triglycerides using a simple approach. These derivatives can be further used to prepare processable polymers. Most monomers for emulsion products are based on acrylic and styrenic monomers. The monomers from this process can replace or be co-used with acrylic/styrenic monomers.
Potential Applications:
These polymers can be used for applications in plastics, coating formulations, etc. These polymers include block copolymers, random copolymers, graft copolymers, and composites. Polymers can be prepared by radical polymerization of plant oil derived maleate and N-substituted maleimide monomers with or without petroleum-derived monomers such as styrene, methacrylate and acrylate.
Advantages and Benefits:
1. The polymeric materials from the present invention have the potential to replace polymers made from petroleum chemicals, thus reducing the dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.
2. The polymeric materials feature polar functional groups, unsaturated double bonds for further reactions, high productivity, simple process, and lower expenses