Water-dispersible cellulose ester for bio-based coatings
This technology uses a chemical process called cross-metathesis to attach new functional groups onto the backbone of cellulose and other plant-derived polysaccharides, converting them into modified materials with tailored surface properties. The reactions run under relatively mild conditions, making them practical to execute without extreme heat or pressure. The resulting compounds are bio-based derivatives that can disperse in water, which is a critical requirement for modern low-VOC, environmentally friendly formulations. The work also includes a follow-on hydrogenation step that further stabilizes the modified polysaccharide.
What you could build
A specialty chemical intermediate — modified cellulose esters — sold to manufacturers of waterborne coatings, adhesives, or lubricants as a renewable, bio-based alternative to synthetic polymer additives; buyers would be specialty chemical companies or consumer-goods formulators seeking sustainable ingredient sourcing.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based specialty chemical producers, coatings formulators, or forest-products companies (given Virginia's timber industry) with R&D interest in bio-based materials would be natural partners or licensees.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Kevin J. Edgar, Xiangtao Meng, Yifan Dong
- Granted
- December 1, 2020
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 10851179
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.