Polymers and Additives
Polymers are an indispensable part of our modern world. They offer innovative solutions to numerous challenges while making an important contribution to reducing carbon emissions. At the same time, however, polymers pose challenges of their own. Currently, they are mostly based on fossil raw materials and are often used linearly, for example, as one-way products that are subsequently disposed of.
Verbio life chemicals supports manufacturers in replacing fossil-based intermediates in polymers and additives with sustainable, plant-based alternatives. We focus on innovative monomers and aim to work with our customers to build local, robust value chains based on readily available raw materials.
Our products for polymers
Our bio-based 9‑DAME, 1-decene, and glycerin are particularly suitable for use in sustainable polymers. Thanks to its bifunctional structure, 9‑DAME is an ideal product for a wide range of complex applications and sustainable polymers. Olefin metathesis catalysts can be used specifically in the field of specialty polymers for the synthesis of high-performance polymers.
Polymers
The direct use of Verbio life chemicals products such as 9-DAME and 1-decene in polymers is well documented in many publications and patents. Polyalphaolefins based on 1-decene or in combination with 9-DAME are among the established applications. 1-decene can also be used as a co-monomer in a variety of other polymers, for example in acrylates as a viscosity index improver or in pour point depressants. 9-DAME enables the specific control of the polarity and other properties of target polymers in similar systems and end applications and influence new developments in the field. High-purity glycerin can be used as a starter for polyols in many polymer applications, e.g., as a crosslinker or to introduce specific branching.
Intermediates
Our platform chemical 9-DAME facilitates the synthesis of C10, C11 and C12 monomers that can be used in established and new polyamides, polyesters or polyurethanes. The production of 9‑DAME is independent of tropical oils, enabling the industry to become independent of raw materials such as palm oil or PKO. High-purity 9-DAME is an optimal platform for producing C18 diesters and C18 diacids. Components such as 9ODDAME (Z or E configuration) and ODDA (C18 diacid) in pure form with a bio-based carbon content of up to 100 % enable access to and implementation of polymers long described in the technical literature, such as PA18.6 or novel, highly recyclable polyesters with unusual properties. Glycerol and 9‑DAME are also well known in derivatized form as components of plasticizers for various polymers.
Polymer synthesis of specialty polymers
Verbio life chemicals offers XiMo catalysts that can be used in polymer syntheses such as polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) or polynorbonene (PNB). Other ADMET and ring-opening polymerizations are also possible. The metathesis catalysts are capable of influencing stereochemistry and tacticity, and can therefore lead to unique, high-functionality polymers.