Possible New Route to Plastic via Cellulose
Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory may have a new process to produce plastic from plant fibers (cellulose). ... convert glucose directly in high yields to a primary building block for fuel and polyesters," ... ... called HMF, which stands for hydroxymethylfurfural. It is a chemical derived from carbohydrates such as glucose and fructose and is viewed as a promising surrogate for petroleum-based chemicals."
" ... announced a simple process that turns cellulose (plant fibers) into plastic. ... still quite a ways off from commercial application, it shows promise as a way of creating alternative plastics
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Via: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory LINK