● Decarbonizing Polyurethane: A high‑performance route that replaces fossil precursors with depolymerized lignin, sharply lowering the carbon footprint of industrial polymers.
● Next‑Gen Material Performance: Catalyst‑free lignin‑PU achieving 69.1 MPa tensile strength, 1.7× higher than petroleum‑based PU.
● Circular Economy Integration: Converts rigid PU thermosets into recyclable materials with high‑tenacity adhesion to steel and wood.
Lignin is the world’s most abundant renewable source of aromatics, yet 95% of industrial lignin is currently discarded or burned as low-value fuel. The barrier to commercial adoption has been lignin’s molecular weight and structural recalcitrance, which typically results in brittle, low-quality materials when used as a chemical precursor.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have solved this by developing a modular depolymerization process. By utilizing moderate conditions and microwave heating, the technology deconstructs Kraft lignin into low-molecular-weight oligomeric bio-oil (BO). This refined feedstock overcomes traditional steric hindrance, allowing for significantly higher polyol loading in polyurethane formulations. The resulting bio-composite does not just replace petroleum; it outperforms it. The integrated BO enhances thermal stability and introduces a robust, thermally-triggered shape memory effect (achieving >90% recovery over multiple cycles).
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE:
● Cost-Effective Scalability: Optimized for mild reaction conditions and high-yield outputs, maximizing the value of a previously "worthless" waste stream.
● Advanced Functional Properties: 100% shape-fixity thermal memory and enhanced antioxidant performance without toxic organotin catalysts.
Intellectual property status
Patent already applied for
Patent application number :
Where : PCT
Transforming discoveries and innovations into reality is a complex and lengthy process. UAlberta’s Technology Transfer Services (TTS) team helps facilitate this journey. Part of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) portfolio, TTS helps researchers, postdoctoral fellows, staff and students transform innovations and discoveries into reality—moving them out of the university to benefit society, the economy, the world.
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