Doubly renewable cellulose polymer for water-based coatings

Abstract

A levulinoyl ester-containing cellulose polymer is introduced as a waterborne coating. Incorporation of the biomass-derived levulinic acid proceeds via an unexpected intermediate and provides the unusual feature of a cellulose derivative that is readily chemically modified. The levulinoyl-cellulose ester could be chemically manipulated, allowing it to be dispersed to generate a waterborne hydrocolloid latex. This was capable of film-formation at room temperature, and was formulated for use as a coating of high-renewable content.

Keywords: cellulose; coatings; levulinic acid; polymers; renewable resources.