Shiv Nadar University Pioneers Eco-Friendly Polymers For Carbon Neutrality

Researchers at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence are developing sustainable polymers from waste sulfur and cardanol to achieve carbon neutrality. Polymers play a crucial role in our daily lives, but improper disposal and limited reusability contribute to plastic pollution. The strong bonds within these polymers make them resistant to reuse and degradation, leading to their accumulation in landfills, oceans and ecosystems. Microplastics, which enter the food chain, exacerbate these environmental and health challenges.

The high reliance on non-renewable resources, particularly fossil fuels, for polymer production leads to energy and labor-intensive processes, indirectly increasing carbon emissions and contributing to climate change. Researchers worldwide are exploring waste and bio-feedstocks for sustainability.

Bimlesh Lochab and Dr Sangeeta Sahu from Shiv Nadar University have developed an innovative solution to the global challenge of carbon neutrality. Their research, published in the ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering journal, introduces a new class of waste-derived polymers, utilising natural abundant feedstocks and achieving attractive features.

Petroleum industries remove sulfur from organo-sulfur compounds to produce sulfur-free hydrocarbon fuel, essential for vehicles, generators and machinery. However, this process generates a high tonnage of elemental sulfur waste, with limited global utility. Addressing this surplus is crucial, prompting the exploration of repurposing elemental sulfur into valuable products.

Cardanol, a phenolic waste from the cashew nut industry, has been combined with sulfur to create greener cardanol benzoxazine-sulfur polymers. This simple, quick, scalable and solvent-free polymerisation process is accessible to various industries and aligns with Green Chemistry principles, making it a promising alternative to traditional polymers.

A polymer with versatile properties, including recycling, reprocessing, self-healing and shape recovery, is being developed for various industries. Its re-bondable adhesive properties and strength make it suitable for flexible coatings, robust adhesives and flame-resistant materials. The research group is exploring further modifications to enhance its capabilities. The university offers student-centric and research-focused learning, preparing students for societal challenges and job readiness. Professor Lochab emphasises the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing societal needs, investing in sustainable solutions and fostering partnerships among academia, industry and policymakers for a more resilient and eco-friendly future.