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Petrochemicals

1,5-Pentanedianol Product Platform

Low-cost catalytic pathway to 1,5-PDO that produces no harmful byproducts from agricultural products developed by Pyran. Provides a green alternative to petroleum-based 4-and 6 carbon diols that can enhance performance by increasing polymer heat, water, oil, and weather resistance, thermal transition temperature and crystallization in half the time, and liquid phase processability. Pyran’s 1,5-PDO can be considered a suitable replacement for 1,6-hexanediol in resins used for coatings and demonstrates slightly better viscosity reduction than HHDA in some applications.

MATER-BI: Biodegradable Copolyester

Biodegradable and compostable bioplastics. MATER-BI is quickly biodegradable in natural conditions, such as the marine environment. Its production consists of non-genetically modified corn starch and vegetable oil from conventional agricultural practices. In the EU, only 1% of the total production of corn starch is used in bioplastics. The process has minimal impact on water consumption as only 25 to 30 liters of irrigation water is required to produce 1 kg of MATER-BI materials.

Gevo Hydrocarbons Production

Plant-based hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon-based chemicals and fuels are traditionally petroleum-based. This company produces hydrocarbon-based chemical commodities from plant biomass. This process is renewable and works with most carbohydrate feedstock. More specifically, the company uses sustainably raised corn. Corn is used because it draws a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbohydrate content and protein content in plant biomass are separated. The protein can be used in other industries.

Cambond® Resin and Camposite®

Low-carbon and formaldehyde-free adhesives. Traditional adhesives are phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formladehyde-based, which are derived from petroleum oil. Formaldehyde is a known cause of cancer and is difficult to recycle. Cambond produces carbon-neutral and sustainable adhesives from biomass feedstocks. It is made by bonding waste from the brewing industry and algae with a special linking agent. The process reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 80%. Cambond® Resin can be used for packaging as an alternative to conventional plastics.

SperoSet™ and SPERLU™

Renewable and recyclable thermoset polymers from non-edible biomass. Conventional thermoset polymers are based on petroleum feedstocks and are non-recyclable. SperoSet produces fully recyclable thermoset polymers that are based on non-edible biomass. Because of SperoSet's chemically reversible bonds, it is degradable in organic or aqueous solutions under mild conditions, recyclable with original thermal and mechanical properties, and repairable and weldable through chemical bond exchange reactions. Reversible bonds eliminate the need for metal catalysts or extra monomers in recycling.

Bio-based Solvents

Bio-based solvents. These bio-based solvents serve as alternatives to petrochemical-based solvents. They are derived from agricultural crops that are rich in carbohydrates, such as corn, wheat, and beets. These carbohydrates are then purifed and fermented to make bioethanol and others alcohols and combined with esters of lactic acids and other natural acids. They also include fully biodegradable organic co-solvents. These solvets are less toxic, less flammable, and biodegradable. They also contribute less carbon emissions.

Sustainable High-Performing Biopolymers

Sustainable biopolymers. EcoMer® is a family of VOC-free, bio-based monomers created from glucose derived from sustainable sources. EcoMer can be copolymerized with conventional vinyl monomers to produce polymers that can be used in pressure-sensitive adhesives. EcoStix® —a family of sugar-acrylic, pressure-sensitive adhesives — incorporates EcoMer technology. EcoStix is recyclable and repulpable. EcoSphere® Biolatex® binders are used in the paper and paperboard industry. They are lower cost, better quality, more productive, and superior in performance to traditional binders.

Degradable Biosolvents from Renewable Feedstock

Bio-based green solvents for formulating and cleaning. These sustainable, bio-based solvents and solvent blends are derived from corn, soybeans, citrus, and other renewable feedstocks. These biosolvents are based on ethyl lactate, fatty acid methyl esters, d-limonene, and ethanol. The main ingredient is VertecBio EL Ethyl LActate, an ester solvent derived from corn or sugar beets. They can be used in agricultural and industrial applications. Biosolvents can be used to form environmentally friendly herbicides, pesticides, and growth enhancers.

Membrane Separation in Solvent Lube Dewaxing

Membrane separation process in solvent lube dewaxing. Conventional solvent lube dewaxing processes are energy-intensive due to the need for refrigeration. This new process uses an exclusive polymeric membrane material to separate up to half of the dewaxing solvents from the solvent mixture, reducing the need for distillation, cooling, and refrigeration. This reduced waste generation and VOC emissions. The process increases the yield of lubricants while decreasing by-product generation, virgin material extraction, and equipment.

Waste Oil Source Reduction Through Extended Oil Service Life

Long-lasting synthetic oils. Conventional oils are not long-lasting, which generates waste oil. Frequently disposing of large quantities of oil is hazardous to human health and the environment due to its composition of lead, nickel, and other heavy metals. AMSOIL's long-lasting oil extends its lifespan to 11 times longer than conventional oils; pairing this oil with an oil analysis program can further extend its life span. AMSOIL achieves this by removing impurities and allowing molecules to slip more easily over one another, reducing energy lost to friction and maximizing fuel economy.