Lignin-Derived High Performance Plastics Available for Licensing
UT-Battelle, LLC, acting under its Prime Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the management and operation of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is seeking a commercialization partner for its new "Lignin Derived Plastic" technology. The ORNL Technology Transfer Office will accept licensing applications through September 15, 2014.
New manufacturing technologies are needed to enable companies to rapidly produce the energy-efficient, competitively priced, high-quality products that will rejuvenate U.S. manufacturing. ORNL can provide industry with affordable and convenient access to unique capabilities and facilities, and novel manufacturing technologies. Researchers at ORNL recently demonstrated new processing routes for immediate commercial formulations of lignin-based thermoplastics and melt-processible elastomers. The resulting bioplastics can be used for polymer matrix composite applications and require very little petroleum-based materials. Given the fact that the main feedstock (lignin) is an industrial by-product, it is believed that this material will be very cost effective in polymer matrix composite applications. This technology provides an opportunity that is decoupled from petroleum pricing (unlike most plastics), with low costs of goods, and would allow manufacturers to avoid costly VOC regulations.
License applications will be evaluated based on prospective partners' ability and commitment to successfully commercialize the technology, with a preference for United States based businesses and small businesses. If a license is executed, the ORNL researchers developing the technology will be eligible to compete for additional funding to further advance the technology.
Additional background and technical information may be found on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Technology Transfer website. (http://www.ornl.gov/connect-with-ornl/for-industry/partnerships/technology-licensing/licensing-opportunity-announcements)
This technology was originally developed using federal funds and selected for further development under the laboratory's Technology Innovation Program (TIP). TIP supports technology development using royalties from existing technology licenses to accelerate the market readiness of high potential technologies.
For additional information and license application, contact Alex DeTrana, Commercialization Manager, Technology Transfer, 865-576-9682, or [email protected].
Intellectual Property
UTB ID 201303165,Polymer Blend Compositions and Methods of Preparation, US Patent Application 14/311,893, filed October 21, 2013.
UTB ID 200902293, Lignin Derived Thermoplastics Copolymers and Method of Preparation, US Patent Application 14/058,657, filed November 3, 2011.
Alexander DeTrana, Commercialization Manager, Phone 8655769682, Email [email protected] - Michael J Paulus, Director, Technology Transfer, Phone 8655741051, Email [email protected]
