Experimental and simulation study of the synthesis of oligomers derived from terpenes

• Grant number: 24/18832-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Grantee: Mateus Teixeira Bertão
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02728-0 - Development of films and hydrogels containing terpenes or derivative oligomers for active packaging and multifunctional medical devices applications, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

This proposal aims to investigate alternative polymerization routes for synthesizing terpene-derived oligomers, with a focus on limonene, through both experimental and simulation methods. Specifically, the study will explore stepwise photopolymerization via the "thiol-ene" reaction, combining limonene with various dithiols, such as butane-1,4-dithiol, hexane-1,6-dithiol, and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)diethanethiol. After identifying the most promising experimental conditions, a kinetic model will be developed to simulate the process in a batch reactor. This comprehensive analysis will help determine the effects of initiator and monomer ratios on oligomer yield and molar mass. The project is expected to establish a protocol for thiol-ene photopolymerization of limonene, facilitating the production of higher molar mass oligomers and better incorporation of the terpene into the polymer structure, thus enhancing reaction efficiency. The resulting oligomers will be fully characterized in terms of structure, thermal, and mechanical properties, enabling the development of new polymeric materials from limonene.