Walter Eevers
Walter Eevers Flemish Institute for technological research, Belgium
Title: Lignin valorization by making aromatic chemicals and materials
Biography
Biography: Walter Eevers
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: BTX (benzene, toluene, Xylene) represent a massive 120B$ and 14.2Mtons market of numerous chemicals and products used worldwide. The fight against climate change has convinced many brand-owners to push for more renewables to be incorporated in their product ranges. Furthermore the strong growth of shale gas as energy and feedstock source has demonstrated that the traditional C3 feedstock for aromatics is reduced at the origin. The need for alternative sources for this multiple of products is driven as well by supply as demand. The purpose of this study is to describe the potential of lignin as feedstock for novel polymers and foams. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Starting from the insight in potential lignin sources, the variations in de-polymerization technologies available, a set of functionalized monomers and oligomers is prepared as starting point for the polymerization process. Additional introduction of epoxide groups or the introduction of lignin as a polyol in the urethane approach lead to new structures. The presence of residual functional groups on the lignin segments contribute to variations in the physical mechanical properties of the polymers. Simultaneously with the technical evaluation of the potential innovative materials for different applications an economic analysis of these material developments is integrated in the study in order to safeguard the potential introduction of the innovative technologies in existing applications of aromatic polymers. Conclusion & Significance: The widespread availability of lignin in many different places in the world is creating great opportunity to simultaneously develop new materials without dependency on oil as a feedstock but also as a contribution to fighting climate change. Simultaneously a complete new value chain is being developed creating great new business opportunities for new actors in the world.
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Fig: Development strategies for demand driven innovation with lignin based feedstock towards innovative materials