Bio-Based Block Copolymers Derived From Lignin and Plant Oils

The University of Delaware seeks to commercialize through patent licensing and associated collaborative R&D novel bio-based block copolymers made from renewable resources for use as thermoplastic elastomers pressure sensitive adhesives and other devices that require phase-separated nanostructures such as those with applications in lithography electronic materials photovoltaics and templates for data storage. The new diblock and triblock materials are comprised entirely of bio-based materials primarily Lignin and Fatty Acids. These copolymers can be made into a range of materials with varying thermal and mechanical properties. Unlike current alternatives these novel bio-based block copolymers have economic and environmental advances that make them far more attractive alternatives to petroleum-based materials. The RAFT synthetic method used to produce the copolymers is greener requires less energy requires less catalyst and is ultimately more sustainable. Value Proposition: The objective of this invention is to make better copolymers in such a way that they become compositionally different and more commercially viable than pre-existing polymers. U.S. demand for biomaterials is growing at 20% annually. Fig. Molecular breakdown of the lignin structures