In the organofunctional polysiloxanes (= functional silicone) certain chemical groups are bound to the silicon atoms. In particular, the amino- and hydroxy functional polysiloxanes are significant as ingredients of fabric softeners and hair rinses, as lipid-replenishing ingredients in skin care products, but also in the treatment of textiles and as cross-linkers in the production of synthetics.
The classical synthesis routes for functional silicone are technically elaborate chemical processes. Since these are relatively non-selective processes, this functionalization is complicated by the need for high cleaning efforts and by high substance loss.
In a cooperative project, the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, the Technische Universität Dresden, Julich Chiral Solutions GmbH and Wacker Chemical of Munich (Consortium für elektrochemische Industrie GmbH) were able to develop a biotechnological process with which the manufacture of silicone is carried out with substantially improved energy- and raw material efficiency - through the introduction of enzymes.
The advantages of the process include the following:
The enzymatic process thus produces less than one-tenth of the waste- and waste water amounts compared to the traditional process. The energy requirement amounts to only ca. 30 % of that needed for the classical manufacturing method.
Project Operation:
Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH
Maarweg 32
53619 Rheinbreitbach
Telefon 02224 989-4502
info@jennewein-biotech.de
www.jennewein-biotech.de
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