Biomass-derived polymers and copolymers incorporating monolignols and their derivatives

摘要

The invention includes methods and materials for forming and manipulating aromatic-based polymers and copolymers using biomass compounds as starting materials. Embodiments of the invention can be used in processes designed to replace those used in the petro-chemical industry. Typical embodiments of the invention include methods and materials for forming and/or modifying compounds including dicarboxylic acid ester dimers, benzoxazines and dicarboxylic acid ether dimers. Embodiments of the invention further provide methods and materials for utilizing these compounds to form commercially desirable polymers having structures and physical properties akin to those found in polymers formed from petroleum products.