Biobased acetylation agent for biopolymers
This project aims to develop a process for bio-based production of acetic anhydride by utilizing bioethanol as a feedstock.
Ethanol is a large-scale bio-based feedstock that can be used as a substitute for fossil raw materials to produce organic bulk chemicals. Bio-based polymers such as cellulose and lignin are key components of future sustainable materials; however, functionalization – using, among other reagents, acetic anhydride – is often required to achieve desirable properties.
Today, acetic anhydride is fossil-based, which undermines the sustainability value of the product and contributes to maintaining society’s dependence on fossil resources. This project therefore aims to develop a process for 100% bio-based production of acetic anhydride by utilizing bioethanol as a feedstock. The hypothesis is that acetic anhydride can be co-produced in Sekab’s existing acetic acid plant through certain process modifications, primarily involving early and rapid separation of water in close proximity to the reactor.
Sekab and RISE will jointly evaluate technical strategies, test them under existing conditions through simulations, and assess the techno-economic performance of a modified process in which acetic anhydride is the dominant product. The project is a feasibility study intended to enable investment in laboratory validation and further development.
