Synthesis and characterization of new biopolymers from baru oil following the principles of green chemistry

Abstract

The present project aims the production and characterization of a new monomer/polymer from Baru oil (Brazilian biomass), peracetic acid, and glycerol (polyol) or fumaric acid (polycarboxylic acid) following the principles of Green Chemistry. The utilization of the Baru vegetable oil aims to add value to this Brazilian bio-commoditie, which is produced in the Cerrado of São Paulo. This bio-commodite together with glycerol (waste from biodiesel industry) and the fumaric acid will provide lower costs in the polymer production. The final biopolymer will be a biodegradable product with technological interest. The characterization and optimization of the synthesis conditions of the monomers is essential for then applied them in the syntheses of biopolymers. The vegetable oil and monomers will be characterized using the titrations methods: Iodine Value (IV), Peroxide Value (PV), Free Fatty Acids (FFA), and Epoxide Value (EV). Moreover, the following techniques will be used to characterize the oil, monomer and polymers: Thermogravimetry - Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Mid-infrared Spectroscopy (MIR), and UV-Vis Spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Furthermore, the biopolymers will also be characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results obtained from all characterization will provide the best application for the biopolymer obtained. (AU)