KEFIP

Complementary chemical-biotechnological process development for the novel production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from inulin-accumulating plants

Duration
01.11.2019 - 31.10.2022

Plastics such as polyesters and polyamides based on renewable raw materials are a promising alternative to conventional, petroleum-based polymers in view of the scarcity of fossil resources. Their great potential is being recognized by more and more plastics producers and processors around the world, prompting corresponding development activities.A promising starting material for the production of biomass-based polymers is 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which can be obtained from carbohydrates or carbohydrate-containing biomass. Polymers that can be synthesized from this, such as the polyester polyethylene furanoate (PEF), are not only characterized by their sustainability, but also have improved material properties compared to petroleum-based analogues, such as reduced permeability to oxygen, carbon dioxide and atmospheric moisture.The aim of the "KEFIP" research project is to develop a sustainable, multi-stage process for the conversion of inulin-containing chicory root beet, i.e. an agricultural waste product, to FDCA. For this purpose, the inulin built up during cultivation or forcing is first extracted, converted to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by means of hydrothermal dehydration and then oxidized to FDCA by biocatalytic or heterogeneous catalytic processes. In the interests of a process that is as resource-efficient as possible, the HMF derived from hydrothermal dehydration is not to be separated and purified, but used directly for oxidation.

Project Homepage: KEFIP