Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maxime Bourguignon, Bruno Grignard, Christophe Detrembleur
Summary: This article reports a simple and scalable process for preparing non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams. The process replaces the previous use of toxic isocyanate-based chemistry with a more sustainable variant that forms CO2 through the hydrolysis of a comonomer. The process allows for the production of greener polyurethane foams using readily available low-cost starting materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dallin L. Smith, Danixa Rodriguez-Melendez, Sidney M. Cotton, Yufeng Quan, Qingsheng Wang, Jaime C. Grunlan
Summary: A bio-based non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) with improved thermal stability and flame resistance was developed by adding glutaraldehyde and different carboxylic acids to obtain a foamed structure. Compared to conventional PU foam, this material shows higher heat resistance and flame retardant properties.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra D. Easley, Alison Mangano, Brett P. Fors
Summary: Polyurethanes (PUs) are synthesized materials commonly made from isocyanates, diols, and water. Water plays a crucial role in the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) used for self-blowing of the foams. To address safety concerns, researchers have explored alternative chemistries, and cyclic carbonate systems have shown great promise. In a recent study, Bourguignon, Grignard, and Detrembleur demonstrated that a cyclic carbonate and diamine system can generate CO2 for self-blowing through hydrolysis, allowing for a wide range of physical and thermo-mechanical properties. This work represents a significant advancement towards safer and more environmentally friendly PUs.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Guilhem Coste, Dimitri Berne, Vincent Ladmiral, Claire Negrell, Sylvain Caillol
Summary: Polyurethane foams, currently dominating the global foam market, face the challenge of using toxic isocyanate reagents. A new tetrafunctional cyclic carbonate, TC6, has been synthesized, leading to the successful production of polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) foams. These PHU foams exhibit interesting properties and have the potential to be used in applications such as seating or insulation mattresses.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Pavan M. Paraskar, Ravindra D. Kulkarni
Summary: Dimer fatty acid-based polyester polyols were prepared and the addition of a chain extender improved the final properties of the PU coatings, including physical and mechanical properties, chemical resistance, crystallinity, and thermal performance.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lajos Nagy, Bence Vadkerti, Csilla Lakatos, Peter Pal Feher, Miklos Zsuga, Sandor Keki
Summary: This paper investigates the kinetics of the reaction of phenyl isocyanate with crosslinking agents, utilizing techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, followed by validation through theoretical calculations. The study reveals varying reactivity of hydroxyl groups in glycerol and sorbitol, providing insights for selecting crosslinking agents in future applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bowen Zhang, Xinxin Yang, Xiangyu Lin, Hongyi Shang, Qigang Liu, Hehan Wang, Shiwei Liu, Xu Xu, Fuhao Dong
Summary: A strong, self-healing, and catalyst-free NIPU (ECMP) was prepared based on the hyperbranched bio-based cyclic carbonate (Ec-MTDA) synthesized through catalytic carbonization of 1,8-menthane diamine (MTDA) and CO2. ECMP exhibits high mechanical properties, favorable self-healing and reprocessing properties, and shape memory. This study provides a promising strategy for the design of bio-based NIPUs, expanding their applications in various industries.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohanad Eltayeb, SanXi Li, Patrick U. Okoye, Song Wang
Summary: The study successfully prepared high purity and high yield cyclic carbonates under ambient conditions using water-soluble ethyl-(N ',N' dimethylamino) propylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), which were then reacted with different structural amines to produce bio-based NIPUs with excellent thermal stability and glass transition temperature.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jose Enrico Q. Quinsaat, Elias Feghali, Daniel J. van de Pas, Richard Vendamme, Kirk M. Torr
Summary: Depolymerized native lignin was used as a polyol in the synthesis of rigid bio-based polyurethane foams, which showed similar densities and thermal properties but substantially improved compression properties compared to traditional foams. Incorporating dimeric-rich lignin-derived polyols led to significant enhancements in compression modulus and strength in the resulting foams. These findings suggest that a lignin-first approach can be a valuable strategy for producing rigid PU foams with enhanced mechanical robustness and bio-based content.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enzo Pichon, David De Smet, Paul Rouster, Kim Freulings, Andrij Pich, Katrien V. Bernaerts
Summary: In this study, non-isocyanate polyurethane(urea)s with high bio-based content were synthesized and used as cationic waterborne dispersions in a sustainable coating system. The functionality and hydrophobicity of the neutralization agent as well as the dicarbamate monomer structures were investigated. The results showed that the combination of a monofunctional and hydrophilic neutralization agent led to stable dispersions with better properties compared to the commercial waterborne polyurethane dispersion reference.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pooja Singh, Raminder Kaur
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of porous isocyanate-free polyurethane materials derived from xylose through a one-pot process, and investigates the impact of varying amounts of crosslinker. The materials were characterized using various techniques. The results indicate that the synthesized materials have urethane bridges and exhibit improved thermal stability and flame retardant behavior with increased crosslinker amount. These porous NIPU materials align well with the principles of sustainable development.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Apirak Bumyut, Verawat Champreda, Chatchawal Singhakant, Suwimon Kanchanasuta
Summary: The aim of this research was to optimize bio-succinic acid production from glycerol by using Actinobacillus succinogenes. The effects of different substrate types, cell patterns, and carbonate sources on succinic acid production were studied. The study found that using crude glycerol fermentation with immobilized cells and MgCO(3) supplementation resulted in the highest succinic acid concentration and yield. The batch process achieved higher succinic acid concentration, glycerol utilization, and yield.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Joao R. Pacheco, Hugo G. D. Villardi, Raquel M. Cavalcante, Andre F. Young
Summary: This study explores three nonconventional supercritical routes for industrial biodiesel production, with Routes 1 and 3 proving to be technically feasible while Route 2 requires further development.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Hoang T. T. Tran, Athukoralalage Don K. Deshan, William Doherty, Darryn Rackemann, Lalehvash Moghaddam
Summary: This study investigates the utilization of sugarcane bagasse-based bio-oil as an alternative resource to produce bio-based PU foams. Various conditions are examined to understand their effects on the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the foams. The results demonstrate that incorporating bio-oil as a polyol can enhance the foam's thermal stability and mechanical strength.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Siddhi Jaiswal, Gitanjali Pradhan, Yogesh Chandra Sharma
Summary: The study synthesized a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst Li/TiO2 for the transesterification of glycerol with DMC, achieving a maximum conversion rate of 95.5% and a selectivity of 95.9% towards glycerol carbonate. The research demonstrates Li/TiO2 as an effective catalyst for converting glycerol to glycerol carbonate.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guanlin Li, Li Xu, Houjin Zhang, Junjun Liu, Jinyong Yan, Yunjun Yan
Article
Polymer Science
Guangxu Bo, Xiaoling Xu, Xiaoke Tian, Jiao Wu, Yunjun Yan
Summary: A novel flame retardant TBPBP was successfully synthesized and combined with silica aerogel powder in RPUF, significantly improving the foam's compressive strength and LOI value, reducing total heat release and total smoke production, and achieving a V-0 rating in UL-94 testing. RPUF-T45@SA20 is suggested to be a promising composite for fire and smoke safety as a building insulation material.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gehad G. Ibrahim, Jinyong Yan, Li Xu, Min Yang, Yunjun Yan
Summary: Resveratrol, a plant secondary metabolite, has various therapeutic applications and is in high demand. Recent efforts have focused on using yeast as a host for resveratrol production through metabolic engineering, showing promising results in increasing yields.
Article
Polymer Science
Guangxu Bo, Xiaoling Xu, Xiaoke Tian, Jinyong Yan, Xingjian Su, Yunjun Yan
Summary: This study successfully prepares a new type of building insulation material with good physical properties and fire and smoke safety by improving the flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhaorui Gu, Qing Chen, Lishuang Wang, Shuang Niu, Junjie Zheng, Min Yang, Yunjun Yan
Summary: Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has shown great potential in civil engineering. This study continuously observed the changes in calcium carbonate crystal morphology and monitored the mechanical performance of the samples to reveal the relationship between the two. The results showed that calcium carbonate crystals undergo morphological changes during the MICP process, and the mechanical properties of the samples are greatly improved. Furthermore, direct evidence of bacteria acting as nucleation sites for calcium carbonate formation was found.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinsha Huang, Xiaoman Xie, Zhen Zheng, Luona Ye, Pengbo Wang, Li Xu, Ying Wu, Jinyong Yan, Min Yang, Yunjun Yan
Summary: Innovations in biocatalysts offer opportunities for intolerant environments or new reactions. De novo enzyme design is a rapid and convenient method to obtain industrial application candidates. In this study, a computational protein design strategy combining de novo enzyme design and laboratory-directed evolution was proposed. The designed enzyme showed measurable hydrolysis activity, and through further optimization, the redesigned enzyme exhibited enhanced activity. This study demonstrates the potential of the strategy to generate novel enzymes with desired reactions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dujie Pan, Shuhan Dai, Liangcheng Jiao, Qinghua Zhou, Genhan Zha, Jinyong Yan, Bingnan Han, Yunjun Yan, Li Xu
Summary: In this study, extracellular lipases and single-cell proteins (SCPs) were successfully produced at high levels through fed-batch fermentation of engineered Y. lipolytica. High lipase activity and SCP yield were achieved by optimizing the fermentation parameters in shake flask cultures. The high-density fed-batch fermentation in larger fermentors further improved the lipase activity and SCP production.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaixin Yang, Lishuang Wang, Xinghong Cao, Zhaorui Gu, Guowei Zhao, Mengqu Ran, Yunjun Yan, Jinyong Yan, Li Xu, Chunhui Gao, Min Yang
Summary: DNA exists both inside and outside of cells, playing essential roles in biological growth. Intracellular DNA serves as a carrier of genetic information. Extracellular DNA, not enclosed in living cells, constitutes a large portion of total DNA in the environment and has diverse environmental functions. The major methods for eDNA extraction and quantification are evaluated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xingfeng Han, Huiru Zeng, Pietro Bartocci, Francesco Fantozzi, Yunjun Yan
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2018)
