• Date 2021-06-28

The ReSolve project successfully investigated safer, bio-based alternatives to replace two hazardous solvents that European industries use in large volumes: toluene and N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). ReSolve received funding from the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking, a public private partnership between the EU and Bio-based Industries.

Using their expertise in biomass feedstocks and renewable chemicals, researchers developed replacement solvents based on non-food carbohydrates. The safety of the new solvents was evaluated with in silico models and in vitro bioassays to predict biological behaviour and assess the actual chemical behavior, respectively, before getting into the development stage. Technoeconomic and sustainability assessments were conducted to optimise process designs for industrial production and understand the actual impact on nature.

Researchers synthesised 2,2,5,5-tetramethyloxolane (TMO), a non-polar solvent with similar properties to toluene, for use in adhesive film production. Researchers could observe similar performance in chemical reactions to toluene and even improved solubility of certain substances, promising advantages in extraction processes and biocatalysis.

The project team also synthesised a safer, bio-based alternative called dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene™) to replace NMP, a solvent on which the EU has imposed strict conditions on its use for both employee safety and environmental sustainability. Cyrene™, which is produced from treating waste sawdust with acid, efficiently replicates NMP properties without harming health. Project partner Circa Group has undertaken the construction of a plant in France that will produce 1 000 tonnes of bio-based Cyrene™ annually.

In addition to TMO and Cyrene™, the researchers tested other promising carbohydrate-based solvents to replace NMP, toluene and other hazardous solvents. Their methodology could also be replicated in the development of sustainable, recyclable, bio-based polymers.

It is assumed, that the limited number of non-biobased and safe alternatives could raise similar toxicity issues, and that the use of many traditional chemicals will likely be restricted in the near future. Therefore, further research needs to be conducted to develop additional sustainable and safer solvents. So far, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, which could meet all requirements of different applications.

Source: European Commission, CORDIS https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/429633-replacing-hazardous-solvents-with-safer-renewable-alternatives?WT.mc_id=exp