PEF, Chinese name 2, 5-furandicarboxylate, English name Polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate, structure as shown below
PEF is synthesized from FDCA (2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid) and MEG (ethylene glycol). Unlike ordinary polymer plastics, which are derived from petroleum-based raw materials, the two raw materials FDCA and MEG can be From the biomass raw materials. We refer to the material from the biomass as the bio-based material, which is often referred to as bio-based plastic PEF material.
In the past, bio-based PEF production required lengthy and energy-intensive production processes, which hindered mass production. ETH Zurich researchers have now developed a method that may eventually make PEF marketable possible.
The pollution caused by plastic is getting worse and worse
Jan-Georg Rosenboom, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemical and Applied Biological Sciences at the University of Zurich, ETH, said:
'Polymers and plastics are very useful materials, with a wide range of everyday applications, and are probably the first applications. If we don't invent polymers, lighter cars, smart phones, modern clothing and many medical devices are impossible. The question is, how can we reduce the negative impact of plastics on the environment while maintaining its benefits to our society.'
Bio-based plastics or will be the solution
One answer may be bio-based polymers, also known as bio-based plastics. These bio-based plastics have properties similar to traditional plastics, but they are made from plant-based raw materials rather than crude oil. Some bio-based plastics are also biodegradable. , can be better decomposed.
Massimo Morbidelli's team is working on this promising bio-based plastic: polyethylene furan dicarboxylate (PEF).
PEF is chemically very similar to PET, but is made up of 100% renewable forestry and agricultural waste materials.
PEF bottles use less material, are lighter and more stable than PET, and can make beverages last longer.
Although PEF is not biodegradable, it can be incinerated in an environmentally friendly manner and can be recycled without additional CO2 emissions.
The reason why PEF has not yet been named as a plastic river and lake is mainly due to its time-consuming and energy-intensive production process. Now ETH has developed a method that is likely to achieve a commercial breakthrough in PEF.
The latest research on bio-based PEF
Jan-Georg Rosenboom explains, 'Our approach improves productivity and performance, reducing production time from days to hours. In addition, the color change of the end product can be controlled compared to previous processes. The PEF products produced by the method are superior to PET in material properties and reduce energy consumption requirements.
Due to its good material properties, PEF may also replace multi-layer materials that are difficult to recycle.
Currently, these scientists are working with Sulzer to study how to implement this new process in industrial mass production.
Although PEF has many advantages, it is not possible to solve all existing problems on its own, Rosenboom said, and stressed: 'In order to prevent increasing environmental pollution, education and improved awareness of how to deal with plastics will continue to be the key. However, advances in manufacturing and recycling technologies will help move to a sustainable society.'