Polymers From Renewable Resources

Abstract

This article provides an up‐to‐date overview of the vigorously growing field of polymers from renewable resources, that is, macromolecular materials derived from the biomass. Three distinct approaches are discussed: (i) the synthesis of polymers already available from fossil resources, but using renewable counterparts, (ii) the exploitation of natural polymers as such, or after specific chemical modifications, and (iii) the use of monomers and polymers from renewable resources for the synthesis of novel macromolecular materials. The first topic deals mostly with polyolefins and polyesters; the second discusses polysaccharides, lignin, and natural rubber; the third covers sugars, furans, terpenes and rosin, diols and diacids, glycerol, plant oils, and poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s.

Free radical polymerization of caffeine‐containing methacrylate monomers

“…[3][4][5] Consideration of the effect of synthetic materials on the environment is pervasive in both academic and industrial laboratories. 6,7 One means to achieve the goals of green chemistry includes the synthesis of functional materials solely comprised of bioderived compounds, for example, poly(lactic acid). 8 Alternatively, introducing small amounts of renewable compounds into a polymeric material offers a route to achieve increased sustainability while either attempting to maintain the original material properties or further tuning properties.…”