Bio-styrene is a biodegradable and compostable alternative to traditional styrene, which is a synthetic polymer derived from petroleum. It is made from biomass such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and other plant-based materials. Bio-styrene is biodegradable, which means that it can be broken down by microorganisms into natural compounds, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. It is used in the manufacture of products like disposable cups, packaging materials, and other items that are typically made from traditional styrene.
Bio-styrene is made by fermenting renewable resources such as corn and sugarcane to produce a compound called bio-based styrene monomer. This bio-based styrene monomer is then polymerized to produce bio-styrene plastic. The process of producing bio-styrene is similar to the process used to produce traditional styrene, but it uses renewable resources as the starting materials instead of fossil fuels.
The process of making bio-styrene is still in development stage and different process have been proposed, such as:
- Bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to produce bio-based styrene monomer using engineered bacteria.
- Synthesis of bio-based styrene monomer from bio-based feedstock such as sugarcane, corn and cassava.
- Use of renewable feedstock, such as sugarcane, and chemical processing to produce bio-based styrene monomer.
These are some examples of the methodologies being worked on to produce bio-styrene, and it is likely that more efficient and cost-effective methods will be developed in the future.
SAME Chemicals is able to help you with switching from petrol based styrene to the green styrene. Contact us to get started.
