Preparation of Bio-Epoxides from Renewable Sources (Vegetable Oils)
Technology description
| The name of the technology: | Preparation of Bio-Epoxides from Renewable Sources (Vegetable Oils) |
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| Challenge: | The epoxides prepared from renewable vegetable oils or their methyl esters serve as substitutes for similar substances derived from petroleum (in line with industrial decarbonization and the Green Deal 2025). These are non-toxic, colorless to slightly yellow liquids with low viscosity. Epoxides are used as additives in lubricants (loss lubricants), but primarily as raw materials for the production of other substances or their components, such as: biopolymers, reactive solvents, synthetic paints, polycarbonates. The starting raw material is a renewable source – vegetable oil. An additional advantage is the production of glycerol as a valuable commodity, which is used in many fields (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemistry, tobacco industry, explosives). Along with glycerol, methyl esters of fatty acids are always produced, which are currently used as fuel. With the potential decline in the number of combustion engines, it will be necessary to find new uses for them. |
| Description: |
The technology describes the process of converting methyl esters of higher fatty acids into the corresponding epoxides, using hydrogen peroxide and formic acid as a catalyst. The proposed model linking product parameters with reaction conditions was designed to allow the adjustment of epoxidation conditions for various input methyl esters. The resulting product can then be tailored to meet specific customer requirements, such as the degree of epoxidation, reduction in iodine value, epoxy index, and viscosity. An advantage of the proposed process is its flexibility—it can be applied to methyl esters derived from any types of vegetable oils and can be scaled up. |
| Commercial opportunity: | The technology can be offered to methyl ester producers as an alternative application, as well as to manufacturers of polymer materials in the paint industry. |
| IP protection status: | NA |
| Development status: |
Phase 2Corresponds with TRL 3 and TRL 4 Feasibility study. There is a realistic design of the technology and the initial tests in the laboratory are leading to the specification of the technology requirements and its capabilities.
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| Partnering strategy: | Collaboration licensing |
| More information: | |
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| Categories: | Environment and Climate Chemistry |
| Owner of a technology: | Univerzita Pardubice |
