Synthetic Methodology

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.

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.

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.

Solid catalyst alkylation process for the production of alkylate. Alkylate is a clean fuel component of gasoline. Traditional production methods use toxic liquid acid technologies that require post-treatment. Using the Alkystar catalyst, AlkyClean is a more efficeint alkylate production process that increases reaction speed and reduces environmental hazards by eliminating the need for liquid acids.

Heavy metal-free anti-corrosion coating. This technology is a 2-3 layer system consisting of a unique conducting polymer nanodispersion (CPND) primer, a top layer, and an optional interlayer. The polymer covers the surface of the metal and transforms the top layer into a thin, dense metal oxide layer. This process protects the metal from corrosion without heavy metals such as chromate, lead, or zinc. This technology also outperforms existing anti-corrosion treatments in durability, lasting over 6 times as long. The coating is also thin, lightweight, self-sealing, and has good adhesion.

Two-component (2K) waterborne polyurethane coatings. These waterborne polyurethane coatings eliminate most or all of the organic solvents used in conventional solventborne polyurethane coatings. These novel coatings reduce VOC and HAP emissions by 50 to 90%. 

EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2000 Greener Reaction Conditions Award

High-volume, non-toxic chrome plating technology for plastic parts. Interior and exterior plastic surfaces are often coated for decorative purposes. The Cromatipic® coating deposition process is free of toxic hexavalent chrome and VOCs, resulting in low emissions. Hexavalent chrome is highly toxic to humans and the environment. A CO2 cleaning process removes hydrocarbon and organic particles of various sizes. The spray lacquer does not contain any VOCs, making the VOC burn-off process unnecessary.

Fatty acid ester alcohol that acts as a coalescing agent and reactive diluent in alkyd and latex paints. This product is based on sustainable technology and uses renewable triglycerides (unsaturated fatty acid) as feedstock. These renewable triglycerides facilitate film formation and remain as part of the coating by incorporating the VOCs into the paint coating as fatty acid esters. The product is made by the interestification of vegetable oil fatty acid esters and propylene glycol to monoesters of the fatty acids.

UV-curable, one-component, low VOC automobile paint primer. This primer is made through a new urethane acrylate oligomer primer system. The primer cures in minutes from UV light, which is ten times faster than conventional urethane technologies. The primer requires fewer preparation steps, has a lower application rate, is more durable, controls corrosion better, and has an unlimited shelf life. This automobile paint primer contains less than half the amount of VOCs in conventional primers and is diisocyanate-free (a major source of occupational asthma).

Chempol® MPS paint formulations using biobased Sefose® oils. Chempol® MPS is a Sefose®-based alkyd resin technology that enables paint and coating formulation with less than half the VOCs of traditional alkyd paints and coatings. Sefose® oils are made from sugar and vegetable oil and serve as a viable alternative to petroleum-based solvents. They enable new high-performance alkyd paints with less than half the solvent. Using less hazardous solvents in paint improves worker safety, reduces indoor fumes, and improves air quality.