The creation of a new sustainable polymer

Co-authors Arijit Ghorai and Hoyong Chung of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State University College of Engineering (FAMU-FSU) published a research article titled, Biomass Lignin and CO2-Based Non-Isocyanate Polyhydroxyurethanes in June 2025.

In the research article, Chung and Ghorai demonstrated for the first time that lignin (a substance present in plant cell walls) and carbon dioxide can be combined to produce a new type of polyurethane. 

In contrast to conventional polyurethane, which is based on reactive and dangerous substances known as isocyanates, the new form of polyurethane is a high-quality polymer produced using no harmful components. The new kind of polyurethane is created in fewer stages, using less energy. In addition, it is less harmful to the environment and humans, as well as easier to manufacture.

They produced a biodegradable material, derived from a sustainable and underutilised resource, which is free of harmful chemicals, by employing lignin, a natural polymer. Their innovation circumvents the drawbacks of polyurethane while preserving its advantages.

Despite having uses in contemporary manufacturing, lignin is mostly handled as a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry. This innovation employs collected carbon dioxide and waste from paper mills to produce high-performance materials as conventional polyurethanes. The final product dissolves readily in manufacturing solvents but is just as robust and heat-resistant as traditional polyurethane.

This material has a significant advantage over other biomass-based substitutes for petroleum-based polymers due to its ease of processing.

In addition, in contrast to the low solubility demonstrated in previously reported lignin-based polyurethanes, these polymers showed good solubility in organic solvents, making processing simpler.