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2025-09-19 10:07:23 Nuno Oliveira: Added new project themes.
PIEQ/Themes 2025-26.md ..
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# Proposed themes in 2025-26
- aa
+ ## 1. Polyquaternium production
+
+ Polyquaterniums are a group of cationic polymers used in hair and
+ skincare products to provide conditioning, smoothing, and
+ static-reducing benefits by neutralizing negative charges on hair and
+ skin. They can be derived from natural polymers like cellulose or
+ synthesized from organic monomers. The specific benefits and chemical
+ properties of each polyquaternium are distinguished by a unique number
+ (e.g., Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10), assigned in the order they
+ are registered with the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic
+ Ingredients (INCI) --- [(refs)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Polyquaterniums).
+
+
+ ## 2. HexamethyleneDiamine production
+
+ Hexamethylenediamine (HMD) is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of
+ adiponitrile (ADN), a process where hydrogen gas is added to
+ adiponitrile molecules in the presence of a catalyst like Raney nickel
+ or cobalt, often in a solvent like molten adiponitrile or ammonia.
+ Adiponitrile itself is typically made from butadiene through a process
+ involving hydrogen cyanide. Emerging bio-based routes, like those via
+ fermentation of amino acids or other precursors, are also under
+ development to provide more sustainable alternatives ---
+ [(refs)](https://www.google.com/search?&q=Hexamethylenediamine+production).
+
+
+ ## 3. Ethyl acrylate production
+
+ Ethyl acrylate is produced through the acid-catalyzed esterification of
+ acrylic acid with ethanol. This process typically occurs in the liquid
+ phase and utilizes an acid catalyst like sulfuric acid or a solid acid.
+ After the reaction, the crude product undergoes distillation to separate
+ and purify the ethyl acrylate, which is then stabilized with
+ a polymerization inhibitor like hydroquinone. References:
+
+ - [BASF’s Rheovis range transitions to bio-based Ethyl Acrylate (EA)](https://www.greencarcongress.com/2025/06/20250611-basf.html).
+ - [Reactive distillation configuration for the production of ethyl acrylate](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0255270124002022).
+
+
+ ## 4. Cyrene production
+
+ Dihydrolevoglucosenone (cyrene) is a bicyclic, chiral, seven-membered
+ heterocyclic cycloalkanone which is a waste derived and fully
+ biodegradable aprotic dipolar solvent. It is an environmentally friendly
+ alternative to dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)
+ --- [(refs)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrolevoglucosenone).
+
+
+ ## 5. Thermochemical recycling of PE, PP plastic fractions
+
+ Thermochemical recycling breaks down polyethylene (PE) into basic
+ chemical building blocks using high temperatures. Key processes include
+ pyrolysis, which converts PE into oil, char, and gas, and gasification
+ or steam cracking, which can also produce syngas or fuels. These methods
+ offer an alternative to mechanical recycling for challenging PE waste,
+ yielding valuable raw materials like hydrocarbons and chemicals for
+ reintroduction into the production cycle. References:
+
+ - [Thermochemical recycling](https://www.google.com/search?q=Thermochemical+recycling+of+polyethylene+plastic+fractions).
+ - [Polyolefin waste to light olefins](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7316)
+ - [ENEOS Mistubishi plant](https://chemanager-online.com/en/news/mitsubishi-chemical-group-launches-chemical-recycling-plant-for-plastic-to-oil-conversion).
+
+ [![Plásticos nos oceanos](/PIEQ/Themes%202024-25/Plasticos-h3t96ur42spd1.jpg?thumbnail)](/PIEQ/Themes%202024-25/Plasticos-h3t96ur42spd1.jpg "Plásticos nos oceanos.")
+
+
+ ## 6. 2-methyltetrahydrofuran production
+
+ 2-methyltetrahydrofuran has been promoted as an ecologically-friendly
+ alternative to THF. 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) is produced from
+ renewable biomass via two primary catalytic hydrogenation pathways: from
+ furfural, which is first hydrogenated to 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and then
+ to 2-MeTHF, and from levulinic acid (LA), where LA is converted to
+ γ-valerolactone (GVL), then 1,4-pentanediol, which is finally dehydrated
+ to 2-MeTHF. The raw materials are lignocellulosic biomass, such as
+ corncobs or bagasse, with hydrogenation catalysts including Nickel,
+ Palladium, Copper, or Ruthenium on supports like alumina or carbon ---
+ [(refs)](https://www.google.com/search?q=2-Methyltetrahydrofuran+production).
+
+
+ ## 7. Syngas cleaning
+
+ Syngas cleaning removes contaminants like dust, sulfur, ammonia, and
+ heavy metals to meet product quality, downstream process requirements,
+ and environmental regulations. Cleaning methods are categorized as cold
+ gas (low temperature, often using water scrubbing) or hot gas (high
+ temperature, using filters, sorbents, or catalysts). Key technologies
+ include cyclones, filters, wet scrubbers, solid adsorbents, catalytic
+ converters, and acid gas removal (AGR) systems, with choices depending
+ on the application and required purity ---
+ [(refs)](https://www.google.com/search?q=syngas+cleaning).
+
+
+ ## 8. Production of renewable methanol from urban waste
+
+ Renewable methanol is produced from urban waste by first processing the
+ waste into a synthesis gas (syngas) through methods like gasification or
+ partial oxidation, which is then purified and converted into methanol.
+ This process offers a way to recycle non-recyclable waste and create
+ a versatile fuel for transportation and chemicals, contributing to
+ carbon neutrality and the circular economy. References:
+
+ - [Renewable methanol from urban
+ waste](https://www.google.com/search?q=Production+of+renewable+methanol+from+urban+waste).
+ - [New Repsol / Enerkem Ecoplanta in
+ Tarragone](https://www.repsol.com/en/sustainability/sustainability-pillars/environment/circular-economy/our-projects/transforming-waste-into-chemicals/index.cshtml).
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