Rosin-derived Cationic Compounds and Polymers and their Methods of Preparation

Reference #: 00891

Dr. Tang’s invention describes methods for preparing rosin-containing cationic compounds and cationic polymers. The major components from resin acids (or rosin acids), including levopimaric acid, abietic acid, hydroabietic acid, dehydroabietic acid, and maleopimaric acid, are used as substrates to prepare cationic compounds or cationic polymers. Polymer compositions include homopolymers, block copolymers, graft polymers, star polymers, organic polymers, and inorganic hybrids. These materials have the controlled molecular weight of rosin derivatives and degradable polymers. Degradable polymers comprise at least one of these repeating units: caprolactone, lactide, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyalkanoic acids, hydroxybutyric acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, trimethylene carbonate, dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, butylene succinate, and butylene adipate.

Dr. Tang’s invention provides an entirely new approach to develop rosin-containing cationic compounds and cationic polymers in applications such as drugs, antibiotics, antimicrobial materials, antifouling coatings, packaging materials, surfactants, for use in water sanitation and purification, and drug delivery. Successful implementation of these cationic compounds and cationic polymers will also enable replacement of some petrochemical-based chemicals and polymers, thus reducing consumption of major synthetic polymers derived from fossil fuels.

• Rosin is a renewable biomass that can reduce emissions produced by the use of fossil fuels

• Novel approach to develop rosin-containing cationic compounds and cationic polymers

• Reduces consumption of major synthetic polymers derived from fossil fuels