Renewable Materials

The development of biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources has been motivated by the environmental impact of plastic waste. The objective of our research is to improve
the degradation rate of spiro-polyacetals by integrating linear acetal units into their structure while preserving their desirable thermomechanical properties. The polymer, VPA-CDVE, was produced by reacting vanillin-based spiro-acetal monomer (VPA) with cyclohexanedimethanol vinyl ether (CDVE). The polyacetal that resulted was characterized using NMR spectroscopy, which

Use of lignocellulosic biomass in continuous processes in biorefineries poses challenges due to its recalcitrant properties, feedstock variability, and materials handling of solids at large scale. Limitations include lignin derived inhibitors, and resistance to mixing due to rheological properties of lignocellulosic particulates at high solids loadings.

Enhancing the efficiency of material processing, utilization, and recycling is pivotal for advancing sustainability in modern society. Therefore, new eco-friendly materials and technologies are urgently needed to prepare and recycle/upcycle plastics through the value chain enabling a circular and sustainable economy. The objective of this study is to create sustainable methods for converting non-food biomass into recyclable polymers.

Glycerol hydrogenolysis allows to obtain lots of value added compounds, that, when the reactive comes from renewable sources such as a by-product of the biodiesel industry, it becomes the product renewable too. Each one of the possible product are aligned with the green engineering concept as they are sustainable and contribute to the green supply chain. Glycols, specically propyleneglycol, is an already known and proven molecule, which can be easily introduced into the market without any constrain.  

This project aims to combine the Brazilian group’s expertise in nanomaterials’ surface engineering and polymer-based nanocomposite with the Spanish group’s expertise in transforming agricultural and industrial waste (which is abundant in both Spain and Brazil) into valued natural source polymers, to incorporate the intrinsic properties of sustainable materials into nanocomposites for advanced applications.

The development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials is a key component of the green chemistry concept. In this context, cellulose tosylate (MCC-Tos) serves as a versatile precursor for the functionalization of cellulose. By substituting tosyl groups with alkyne groups, the potential of cellulose is enhanced, making it compatible with click chemistry reactions such as thiol-yne and copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC), which promotes greener processes.

Water-based polymerization methods, such as emulsion polymerization, offer improved sustainability by reducing or eliminating volatile organic compound use.1 The US paints and coatings market has exhibited a yearly increase in demand, with the waterborne segment leading the largest market share. The demand for eco-friendly products is expected to positively impact market growth in the coming years.2 Both academia and industry have shown interest in cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), derived from biological sources, typically using sulfuric acid hydrolysis.

Solar energy stands as a cornerstone in the pursuit of a sustainable future. This poster explores the history and advancements in solar technology, highlighting its significant role in reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. By examining the latest innovations in photovoltaic systems, energy storage solutions, and grid integration, we demonstrate how solar energy is leading to a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure. Furthermore, we discuss how solar energy drives the principles of green chemistry, promoting environmentally friendly practices in energy production.