New functional nanocomposites based on poly(trimethylene 2,5-furanoate) and few layer graphene prepared by in situ polymerization

Abstract

The diminishing fossil fuel resources, along with fluctuating prices of crude oil, a significant greenhouse gas emissions and the limited biodegradability of (petroleum-derived) plastic materials involve a necessity of searching for renewable raw materials for their production Nearly 10% of extracted petroleum is used for the chemical industry. Any fluctuations associated with the extraction and price of this raw material are reflected in polymer industry situation, where alternatives are sought Renewable raw materials offer a wide range of chemical compounds that can replace previously used monomers or open the possibilities of the synthesis of new materials Renewable raw materials occupy the key position of plant biomass, which consists of, among others, lignin cellulose, starch, vegetable oils, vegetable proteins, aliphatic hydrocarbons, etc. Starch, the main component of cereals, is a biopolymer, which in the natural state or subjected to chemical modification can be used in the processing of synthetic materials. By using biochemical and/or chemical methods