Betamethylvalerolactone Downstream Processing and Application Development
Members: Valerian Materials, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, University of Minnesota
Project dates: 2022 - 2025
Researchers created and commercialized a new biopolymer precursor through sugar fermentation. The trademarked product, Nuvone, can be used in flexible polymers such as plastics, foams, and adhesives; as well as in textiles such as leggings and shoes.
Nuvone is both industrially compostable and recyclable back into pure Nuvone through depolymerization. Initial scale-up manufacturing has shown that it is a successful drop-in replacement in existing industrial processes.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota explored how to incorporate Nuvone into advanced polymeric materials, to define and expand the opportunities for commercial applications. They also investigated end-of-use solutions such as chemical recycling and environmental degradation. They developed a patent pending one-pot, solvent-free synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethane ureas (TPUUs) from β-methyl-δ-valerolactone (βMVL), used to make polyurethane fibers.
Through this project, Valerian Materials created a tech transfer protocol in partnership with the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center to produce material at over 90g/L while reducing costs. Valerian successfully completed scale up production at pilot facilities including Manus. Next, Valerian Materials will be moving to demonstration-scale production and further exploring commercialization.
Funding source: U.S. Department of Defense
Related news: