03/17/2015

Isosorbide-based polymer research published and marketed

Recent research from the research group of Professor

Researchers in the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Polymers have synthesized sugar derivatives that can be polymerized and incorporated into block polymers that exhibit promising properties and can be used as replacements for petroleum-based materials

This research was performed by Graduate Student James Gallagher through a collaboration led by Professor Theresa Reineke and Professor Marc Hillmyer. The study was recently selected as an American Chemical Society Editor’s Choice manuscript, and is published online in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.

The researchers have synthesized a new isosorbide derivative, acetylated methacrylic isosorbide (AMI), that can be efficiently and simply synthesized in two steps from commercially available starting materials. This renewable chemical feedstock is cost and property competitive with petroleum-based materials.

The University’s Office for Technology Commercialization is marketing this invention for potential use in the creation of biobased polymers, replacement of methyl methacrylate, and in adhesives, coatings, and thermoplastic elastomers.

Download a PDF of the Office for Technology Commercialization information.