Challenges in the development of new green solvents for polymer dissolution
Anna Zhenova
Abstract
Abstract As chemical legislation grows more strict and the UK moves towards a bioeconomy, acceptable solvents for industrial dissolution of polymers are growing scarce. An estimated 78% of solvent use in the EU is in sectors such as paints and coatings, printing inks and adhesives, in which polymer dissolution is a critical function. Academic research in safe, sustainable solvents is growing, but largely in the field of reaction solvents, leaving solvents for polymers underdeveloped by comparison. This challenge can be addressed through the adoption of computational tools, improved communication between industry and academia and increased research funding. Recent progress in green solvent development provides a number of models that can be adapted to the problem of polymer dissolution research. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry