ICL, the Seeker for this Challenge, invites solutions that can be developed to chain extend Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) linearly. In recent years, MCC has become a major product of recycling polyester/cotton blends of post-consumer textiles. Attempts are underway to reuse it in textile manufacturing.
This effort is complicated by the fact that, due to its low degree of polymerization (DP<250), MCC cannot be directly spun to fibers with acceptable tensile properties. A solution to this problem would be to chain extend MCC, in a linear fashion, to increase DP to a level of 400 or higher and use this material to produce recycled fiber. Unfortunately, as of today, there is no known procedure to chain extend MCC linearly without substantial chemical modification while using highly toxic chemicals.
The objective of this Challenge is to develop a process to chain extend MCC, in a linear way, to a level of DP>400, a process that would be economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
This is a Prize Challenge which requires a written proposal to be submitted and there will be a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution. The total payout will be $15,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $2,500. By submitting a proposal, the Solver grants ICL a right to use any information included in their proposal.
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a refined, partially depolymerized cellulose typically derived from wood pulp. Due to its unique qualities—such as high compressibility, low bulk density, and excellent flowability—it’s widely used in pharmaceutical, food, agrobusiness, and cosmetic applications as an excipient, binder, and filler. It can also be used as a thickener, rheology modifier, absorbent, and reinforcing material.
In recent years, MCC has become a major product of recycling polyester/cotton blends of post-consumer textiles. The growing volumes of recycled MCC energized attempts to re-using it back in the textile industry (the so-called “fiber-back-to-fiber” concept).
However, since MCC has a low degree of polymerization (DP<250), it cannot be directly spun to fibers with acceptable tensile properties. The only option available today is to blend 30% MCC with 70% virgin cellulose (derived usually from pulp); the resulting blend gives a high viscosity dope that can be spun.
The major problem with this approach is that it underutilizes already available MCC while, at the same time, keeps consuming virgin cellulose, which requires cutting additional trees.
A solution to this problem would be to chain extend MCC to increase DP to a level of 400 or higher and use this material to produce 100% recycled fiber. Unfortunately, as of today, there is no known procedure to chain extend MCC in a linear fashion without substantial chemical modification while using highly toxic chemicals, such as acrylonitrile, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and 2,2,6-trimethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO).
The objective of this Challenge is therefore to develop a process to chain extend MCC linearly to a level of DP>400.
SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS & ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
ICL imposes absolutely no restrictions about the nature of the proposed solution. The proposed approach could be a chemical process that would not use highly toxic chemicals. Alternatively, ICL envisions that a biological process—for example, bacteria-induced fermentation—could be developed.
However, regardless of the specific approach, the proposed technology should meet the following Solution Requirements:
- The proposed technology should convert MCC with DP<250 into a linear polymer with DP>400.
- The proposed technology should be scalable enough to convert at least 100,000—and ideally 500,000—tons of MCC per year.
- If the proposed technology is a chemical process, it should not use toxic chemicals, such as acrylonitrile, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and 2,2,6-trimethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO).
- If the proposed technology is a biological process, it should use commercially available materials and reagents, including bacterial strains.
Awards:- $15,000
Deadline:- 30-10-2023
