Synthesis, characterization and valorization of new photocurable materials using synthons derived from the lignocellulosic biomass

Chemical industries, because of their strong dependence upon fossil-oil and its byproducts, have to face collapsing fossil-ressources stocks and rising prices and may find themselves on the verge of bankrupcy in a near future. Therefore, they must search for new sources for raw materials if they want to survive. Nature rapidly revealed itself as an inhexaustible source of organic compounds (synthons) able to replace fossil raw materials and allowing the production of biobased polymers. Among this durable and abundant biomass, lignin is an unique aromatic raw material (phenolics) and therefore the only durable alternative to substitute for oil-based aromatic commodity-polymers and for the production of new innovative materials. Our project aims at the utilization of lignin-based synthons (e.g., ferulic acid) with carbohydrates-based synthons to create new high-value added biobased photocurable materials for technology niche applications. The graduate student will work firstly on the creation and optimization of eco-friendly monomers syntheses and polymerization/photocross-linking methods. Later on, he(she) will focus his(her) efforts towards the characterization of the newly formed materials (NMR, IR, SEC), the evaluation of their physical and mechanical properties as well as their biodegradability. Finally, the valorization of these new materials will be studied together with the creation of an industrial partnership.

PhD subject IJPB 2011 from research group Lignin and tanins : structure, assembly and valorization