This proposal describes a novel platform to manufacture biobased coatings (e.g. paint, varnishes, etc.) from biomass residues. These coatings will be introduced to compete with current petroleum-based polyurethanes coatings. The use of biomass as raw materials for production of fuels and chemicals to displace fossil resources has been the focus of many research activities in recent years. These activities are motivated by the possibility of positive contributions to a sustainable resource supply, enhanced national security and macroeconomic benefits for rural communities and society at large. Much of these activities were directed toward fuel and energy production (e.g. fermentation of biomass to ethanol and transesterification of triglyceride oils to biodiesel) and much less effort was directed to develop plastics from biobased resources. Furthermore, only little attention has been directed toward utilization of biomass protein for value-added polymeric materials. This raw material is readily available, low cost commodity and can be utilized in the production of polyesters, polyamides, polyurea, and in particular, polyurethanes. Thus, in this project we plan to use common scientific methods to chemically convert this biomass to value-added intermediates useful for the coating industry. Successful completion of the proposed work will enable a commercial introduction of these biobased products into the architectural and protective coating markets.
