Apple juice and grains, rather than oil, could become the raw materials for certain types of plastics and pharmaceuticals in the future, thanks to a new chemical process developed by American scientists.
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Grains (Image: CSIRO) |
Engineer James Dumesic from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his team have discovered a method to convert fructose (a form of sugar found in fruits, grain juices, and honey) into the chemical 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, or HMF, which is a fundamental raw material for producing polyester. Theoretically, this means that it may be possible to create plant-based plastics, replacing petroleum. HMF can also be used to produce diesel fuel.
HMF is formed when heat breaks down sugar molecules. There are several effective ways to convert fructose into HMF, but these methods often require a lot of energy, expensive catalysts, and organic solvents. Dumesic’s team aimed to find a more cost-effective solution for potential industrial applications. They utilized hydrochloric acid (HCl) or solid acidic resin to break down the sugar molecules. Both substances have the advantage of generating fewer by-products. Using this method, the conversion rate of fructose to HMF is approximately 80%.
T. An
