New bio-composite materials that help to reduce CO₂ footprint from the functionalization of cellulose

The invention relates to a procedure for the preparation of a conjugate between poly(limonene carbonate) (PLC) and cellulose, which is a high versatile and eco-friendly medium for the manufacture of new materials, such a rubber-type materials and bio-based plastics. The present invention also refers to this conjugate (i.e: PLC functionalized cellulose) and their use in the preparation of crosslinking materials and bio-based plastics.

The inventors have functionalized cellulose by covalently attaching a chain of PLC to its free hydroxyl groups, which is suitable to be cross-linked in a subsequent step. The PLC incorporates the greenhouse effect gas CO2 within its structure, and the catalyst discovered at Prof. Kleij’s group can form the polycarbonate of sterically hindered monomers such as limonene epoxide, a method that avoids the use of toxic reagents.

The functionalized cellulose-PLC conjugate serves as natural fibres for the formation of composite materials by cross-linking the conjugate with a monomer that will constitute the polymeric matrix of the composite. In this way, the result is that the natural fibre is covalently bonded to the polymeric matrix medium, improving the thermomechanical properties of the material.

The technology can find applications in fields such as reinforced, light materials for construction and transportation or automotive / aerospace industry, as well as new bio-sourced sealants.