A novel renewable thermoplastic polyacetal was prepared via a catalytic and green polymerization process where the catalyst and solvent can be recycled. The monomer can be obtained in high purity and large quantities from the fast pyrolysis of cellulosic feedstock. The production of the monomer does not use food crops, therefore does not compete with the food supply chain. This novel polyacetal is not only renewable, but potentially biodegradable and therefore compostable. The monomer, which is also expected to be the ultimate product of degradation, is a non-toxic metabolite. The polyacetal will fill the need for renewable and biodegradable plastics as shown in the figure below. The thermal and mechanical properties of this novel renewable polyacetal are comparable to those of LDPE that is used in food packaging applications. 

Novel renewable thermoplastic from the fast pyrolysis of cellulosic feedstock

248th National Meeting (2014)

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