Bio-based Lignin Plastics Target Auto Applications in UK-funded Project

Date:February 6, 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Application

• The bio-based lignin plastics developed in this UK-funded project are targeting automotive applications, including car interiors, dashboards, and bumpers.

Description

The CARMA (carbon-neutral agroforestry-derived resins to materials for automotive applications) project will apply Sonichem’s ultrasonic processing technique to automotive applications for the first time. The approach converts sawdust, the biomass by-product from forestry operations, into high-quality lignin. This renewable material will then serve as the basis for bio-based platform chemicals, creating green alternatives to conventional petrochemical-derived materials currently used to produce various vehicle components.

Pathway Description:

Process can convert ligno-cellulosic biomass (including hard and soft woods, sugar cane bagasse, straws, and grasses) safely, efficiently, cleanly, and economically into cellulose, natural sugars, and lignin. Central to the Sonichem process is the use of ultrasound to break the chemical bonds in the feedstock to liberate the cellulose, sugar, and lignin fractions