Biorenewable polymers

4 -methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) to produce a series of polyurethane networks [193]. Oil from the Plukenetia conophora seed has also been polymerized by acyclic triene metathesis to yield a hyperbranched polyester [194]. Polyesters with amide side chains, specifically poly[l-(alkyl carbamoyl)alkyl alkanoates], have also been synthesized by a combination of the Passerini three-component reaction and ADMET polymerization [195]. Moreover, polyamides have been synthesized from renewable resources via ADMET [192b, 196]. 

Polymers containing D-cfiiro-mositol units have been synthesized by ADMET [197], using a monomer derived from a biocatalytically synthesized diene diol. 

GPC standards using bile acids as monomers have also been synthesized by ADMET [198]. Carbohydrates have been used as starting materials to synthesize ADMET polymers that were chiral, biodegradable, and renewable [199]. 

Phosphorus-containing polyesters were produced by ADMET of plant oU-derived compounds [200]. The backbone hydroxyl groups of some of these polymers were also converted to acrylates and then polymerized to yield cross-linked polymers. 

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Fig. 1 Life cycle model of biorenewable polymers according to European Bioplastics [6]...

Cellulose, which is found in plant walls, is the most abundant raw material on Earth. Millions of pounds of this biorenewable polymer are produced every year. The total worldwide consumption of cellulosic fibers in 1998 was 4817 million pounds [1]. Cellulose is plentiful, inexpensive, and biodegradable. It is capable of producing a number of fibrous products with excellent properties whose utility extends into numerous end uses and industries. Cellulose is an excellent source of textile fibers, for both the commodity and the high-end, fashion-oriented markets. A common example is rayon. In addition, cellulose provides fibers for industrial end uses requiring strong, tough fibers. A common example is fibers used in tire cord. 

Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites A Brief Overview 5 Biobased Biorenewable Polymers... 

Here we discuss the recent advances in the use of metathesis toward the synthesis of biorenewable polymers. Other reviews can be found that provide excellent coverage of biorenewable-based polymers not limited to metathesis [4, 15-21]. In order to limit the scope of this review, only biorenewable resources, where the monomer itself was polymerized with metathesis or a slight modification was made to the monomer to make the biorenewable resource polymerizable, are described. 

As natural resources are getting depleted, the reliance on biorenewable resources will continue to grow. The field of biorenewable polymers is still in its infancy and has much potential for growth. In summary, the use of metathesis complements the other multiple processes for the polymerization of plant oils, which range from cationic to thermal and radical type polymerizations by allowing control of the polymerization process through the selection of the metathesis catalyst or the addition of CTAs. Moreover, the ability to control polymerizations with new metathesis catalysts and the capability to influence metathesis polymerization by the addition of CTAs promise a future full of many exciting opportunities in biorenewable polymers via metathesis. 

Another topic that was exhaustively investigated during the last few years was the development of biorenewable polymers-based hydrogels. They have attracted great interest for miscellaneous applications including biomedical, toxic ion removal, and water purification (Thakur and Thakur 2014a, b, c). 

Over the past 30 or so years, a number of biorenewable polymers have been synthesized that have properties comparable to those of petroleum-derived materials some are biodegradable, and others are not. Perhaps the best known of these bioderived polymers is polyil-lactic acid) (abbreviated PLA), which has the following repeat unit structure ... 

Biorenewable polymers procured from different natural resources [Singha and Thakur, 2012]. 

Natural fibers are the most common biorenewable polymers available in abundance all around the globe. Some of the commonly occurring natural fibers all around the globe include flax, hemp, baggase, jute, pine needles, pineapple leaf, sisal, grewia optiva, hibiscus sabdariffa (Santos et al., 2013], Figure 1.2 shows the extraction of pineapple leaf fiber from its plant. 

This unique hook offers up-to-date studies on biorenewable polymers from fundamental aspects to technology and applications. It comes at the right time when materials industries worldwide are undergoing a revolutionary shift to developing environmentally sustainable materials. A concentrate of the most recent scientific discoveries written by recognized authors in the field, this is an excellent book for inspiring scientists and students. ... 

With an increase in worldwide environmental pollution caused by non-biodegradable polymers, research on the development of biodegradable biorenewable polymers is both necessary and valuable to support global sustainability and to help reduce industry dependence on petroleum and address environmental issue with petrochemicals [1]. Commercially available soy products, such as soy oil, soy protein isolate, soy flour, and soy protein concentrate have attracted much attention because of their abimdance, low cost and good biodegradability [2], Recently, these soy products have been considered environmentally friendly materials for adhesives [3], health care [4,5], plastics [6,7], and various binders [8],... 

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