Sustainable Cationic Polyelectrolytes from Agri-Forestry Biomass: Conventional Chemistry to AI-Optimized Reactive Extrusion

Ali Ayoub () and Lucian A. Lucia
Additional contact information
Ali Ayoub: Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
Lucian A. Lucia: Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-23

Abstract: Cationic polyelectrolytes, characterized by positively charged functional groups, play an essential role in industries ranging from food solutions, water treatment, medical, cosmetic, textiles and agriculture due to their electrostatic interactions, biocompatibility, and functional versatility. This paper critically examines the transition from petroleum-based synthetic polymers such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and cationic polyacrylamides to sustainable natural alternatives derived from agri-forestry resources like starch derivatives and cellulose. Through a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment, we highlight the superior renewability, biodegradability, and lower carbon footprint of bio-based polycations, despite challenges in agricultural sourcing and processing. This study examines cationization processes by comparing the environmental limitations of traditional chemical methods, such as significant waste production and limited scalability, with those of second-generation reactive extrusion (REX), which enables solvent-free and rapid modification. REX also allows for adjustable degrees of substitution and ensures uniform charge distribution, thereby enhancing overall functional performance. Groundbreaking research and optimization achieved through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for parameter regulation and targeted mechanical energy management underscore REX’s strengths in precision engineering. By methodically addressing current limitations and articulating future advancements, this work advances sustainable innovation that contributes to a circular economy in materials science.

Keywords: cationic polymers; cationic starch; carbohydrate; agri-forestry biomass; extrusion; artificial intelligence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/22/10060/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/22/10060/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:22:p:10060-:d:1791889

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().