Reactive diacid cellulose ester for bio-based coatings
This patent covers a new class of chemical compounds made by chemically bonding cellulose—the fibrous material found in wood and plants—with diacids, which are molecules that carry two acid groups. The result is a modified cellulose ester that retains a free carboxylic acid group, giving it properties (such as reactivity, solubility, or surface adhesion) that ordinary cellulose acetate and similar materials lack. The synthesis method allows tuning of how many acid groups are attached, enabling tailored performance for specific applications. This kind of functionalized biobased polymer sits at the intersection of green chemistry and specialty materials.
What you could build
A specialty biobased polymer intermediate sold to coatings, adhesives, or controlled-release packaging formulators who need a reactive, renewable cellulose-derived resin; buyers would be specialty chemical companies and materials manufacturers seeking bio-derived alternatives to petroleum-based polymers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based forestry and wood-products companies, or specialty chemical manufacturers with bio-based materials programs, would have natural interest.
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, Nilanjana Kar
- Granted
- July 18, 2017
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9708415
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.