Lactose-based monomers for high performance engineering plastics and composites

Overview

This innovative research explores the conversion of lactose into functional monomers to create high-performance engineering plastics and composites. By utilizing lactose's crystalline structure and strong hydrogen bonding, the project aims to enhance the mechanical strength of elastomers, which are widely used in automotive and consumer products. The approach involves copolymerizing lactose-derived monomers with bio-based acrylates to develop materials that are both tough and flexible. Additionally, by incorporating whey protein into composites, the research seeks to fully utilize dairy co-products, contributing to sustainable materials manufacturing.

Technical specifications

• Key Features:
  • Lactose-based monomers enhance mechanical strength in elastomers through strong hydrogen bonding.
  • Copolymerization with low-Tg bio-based acrylates creates diverse polymer architectures, including random, block, and crosslinked systems.
  • Integration of whey proteins like β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin in composites for enhanced performance.
• Applications:
  • Automotive parts
  • Consumer products
  • Sustainable materials manufacturing

Technology readiness level

The research is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, indicating that the concept is in the early stages of experimental proof of concept. The project includes defining the range of material properties, developing synthetic routes for polymerizable lactose monomers, and establishing design rules for tailored material properties.