Copolymerization of Biomass-Derived Carboxylic Acids for Biobased Acrylic Emulsions

Abstract

The production of biobased copolymers such as poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) for paints and coating applications is indispensable for the establishment of sustainable biorefineries, but it is challenging because of the utilization of fossil-based sources for the syntheses of methacrylic acid (MAA) from biomass. We have studied the catalytic decarboxylation of biobased itaconic acid, citric acid, and aconitic acid to MAA. Among different tested catalysts, the spinel BaAl12O19 chemical substance was found to grant an additional active catalysis, it optimized selectivity, and a 50% synthesis yield of MAA was achieved. The as-synthesized MAA vinyl monomer has been consequently utilized for the production of a chain-growth poly(St-co-BA-co-MAA) copolymer, industrially manufactured for coating, adhesive, and paint end-user applications. The latexes’ physical properties of bio-MAA-incorporated structured polymers have also been compared with a copolymerized commercial poly(St-co-BA-co-MAA) terpolymer, fabricated from petroleumbased MAA. The functional group distribution, measured molecular weight (Mw), determined polydispersity index (ĐM), glass transition temperature (Tg), and integrated solid content (wS) of copolymerization poly(St-co-BA-co-MAA) constituent units were comparable with benchmarks.