Methyl Methacrylate Production Processes: A Comparative Analysis of Alternatives Using the Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

• DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c04896
• Publication Date: 2023-11-27T19:09:49Z
• Authors: Aduraseyi A. Adeoye; Fabrizio Passarini; Jacopo De Maron; Tommaso Tabanelli; Fabrizio Cavani; Daniele Cespi

Green chemistry is part of the chemical industry’s response to calls for improved environmental responsibility. It also one several paths redemption from its erstwhile infamous reputation as most polluting sectors. We studied impacts implementing some these principles on production methyl methacrylate (MMA), monomer PMMA popularly known acrylic glass. This study used life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology compare potential three different approaches MMA. Two are established industrial pathways: acetocyanohydrin process (ACH-MMA) and Alpha Lucite (AL-MMA), which represent conventional a fast-rising route, respectively, while third, in situ formaldehyde (inFAL-MMA) lab-based process. The scenarios were evaluated using cumulative energy demand (CED) ReCiPe 2016 impact methods. results obtained highlighted hotspots that can benefit improvements careful material source selection. underscored AL-MMA record significant performance by reducing overall resource intensity inFAL-MMA synthesis was adjudged be evolved alternatives with respect green principles; hence, sought investigate possible gains attributable this. Some limitations uncovered during necessitated use an additional tool further risk. Thus, GREEN MOTION adopted examine this relationship. Overall, areas examined. confirmed importance factors like data quality, degree optimization, source, others LCA.