Professor Unveils Eco-Friendly Plastic from Plant Materials

A team led by Ho Yong Chung, an associate professor at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, has made significant strides in sustainable materials research. Their recent study highlights the innovative use of lignin, a complex organic polymer found in plant cell walls, combined with carbon dioxide to create a new form of polyurethane. This work, published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, marks a breakthrough in developing environmentally friendly plastics.

Chung’s method eliminates the use of isocyanates, hazardous compounds traditionally required in polyurethane production. Instead, the team harnessed lignin, which is often regarded as a waste product in the pulp and paper industry. The result is a biodegradable polymer that retains the desirable properties of conventional polyurethane while minimizing environmental impact.

The research presented by Chung’s team demonstrates that it is possible to produce high-performance materials using fewer energy-intensive steps and without toxic ingredients. “We’ve created a high-quality polymer using fewer steps, less energy, and no toxic ingredients,” Chung noted. “It’s better for the environment, better for people, and easier to manufacture.”

Transforming Waste into Valuable Resources

Lignin, although underutilized in many industries, has potential applications in various fields, including adhesives and energy solutions. Chung’s latest findings expand on his previous research, which explored lignin’s use in other biodegradable plastics. By focusing on polyurethane, a polymer with extensive commercial applications due to its flexibility and strength, the research opens new avenues for utilizing this abundant resource.

The innovative approach not only addresses sustainability concerns but also enhances the economic viability of producing polyurethane. “Scalability is big for us, because we are a polymer science group and we’re always trying to scale up and commercialize our research technology,” Chung explained. “This has much better processability compared to other alternatives used to recreate polyurethane. We use far fewer reaction steps to produce the same quality or higher quality of material.”

The significance of this research lies in its potential to revolutionize the production of plastics. By utilizing waste from paper mills and captured carbon dioxide, the new polyurethane offers a robust solution to the ongoing challenge of plastic pollution.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Sustainability

Chung credits the support from Florida State University for enabling breakthroughs in sustainable chemistry. The resources provided by the university, including lab space within the newly established Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building, have been instrumental in advancing his research goals.

Postdoctoral researcher Arijit Ghorai played a key role as the lead author of the study, which received funding from the U.S. Army Research Office and the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy of the Republic of Korea. Their collaborative efforts highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling environmental challenges.

Chung’s dedication to exploring lignin’s potential began during his graduate studies when he aimed to develop it as an adhesive. His ongoing research reflects a commitment to finding innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. “Polyurethane is a very important material,” he said. “By producing it with a new and non-toxic method, we can help the world.”

As the demand for sustainable materials continues to grow, Chung’s work represents a promising direction for the future of plastics, combining the principles of environmental stewardship with advanced scientific research.