Abstract: A process for preparing dialkyl terephalate comprising the following steps:—i) providing furan-2,5-dicarboxylate; ii) esterifying the furan-2,5-dicarboxylate with alcohol to form furan-2,5-carboxylic acid dialkyl ester; iii) reacting the furan-2,5-carboxylic acid dialkyl ester with ethylene under Diels Alder conditions, elevated temperature and pressure and in the presence of a catalyst such that dialkyl terephthalate is produced; wherein the Diels-Alder reaction is free from solvent; wherein the catalyst comprises a clay comprising metal ions and having Lewis acidity.

Abstract: A process for preparing dialkyl terephalate comprising the following steps:—i) providing furan-2,5-dicarboxylate; ii) esterifying the furan-2,5-dicarboxylate with alcohol to form furan-2,5-carboxylic acid dialkyl ester; iii) reacting the furan-2,5-carboxylic acid dialkyl ester with ethylene under Diels Alder conditions, elevated temperature and pressure and in the presence of a catalyst such that dialkyl terephthalate is produced; wherein the Diels-Alder reaction is free from solvent; wherein the catalyst comprises a clay comprising metal ions and having Lewis acidity.

Abstract: There is described a method of producing (?)-levoglucosenone, said method comprising, heating lignin to a temperature in excess of 150° C. for a time sufficient to convert a proportion of the lignin to (?)-evoglucosenone.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,2,5,5-tetramethyltetrahydrofuran (TMTHF) includes contacting a TMTHF precursor with a solid catalyst, where the TMTHF precursor is 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-diol and/or 2,5-dimethyl-4-hexen-2-ol, and where the solid catalyst is a beta zeolite. TMTHF produced by the process may be used as a solvent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,2,5,5-tetramethyltetrahydrofuran (TMTHF) includes contacting a TMTHF precursor with a solid catalyst, where the TMTHF precursor is 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dioland/or 2,5-dimethyl-4-hexen-2-ol, and where the solid catalyst is a beta zeolite. TMTHF produced by the process may be used as a solvent.

Abstract: There is described a processor for use in the microwave torrefaction of biomass material which comprises, a micronized biomass char material and a method of producing a biomass char material, and a method of producing L-glucosan.

Abstract: There is described a method of transformation of a cellulosic material, such as, lignocellulosic biomass material and/or cellulose, into a directly fermentable saccharide containing mixture wherein said method of transformation comprises the microwave assisted hydrothermal treatment of the cellulosic material.

Abstract: There is described a method of producing (?)-levoglucosenone, said method comprising, heating lignin to a temperature in excess of 150° C. for a time sufficient to convert a proportion of the lignin to (?)-evoglucosenone.

Abstract: A carpet material with at least one of its components made easier for recycle by use of an adhesive which can be selectively altered to change the adhesion strength to allow component carpet layers to be separated.

Abstract: There is described a mesoporous composite material comprising carbon nanoparticles dispersed in a mesoporous carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A mesoporous material is derived from a polysaccharide by thermally assisted partial carbonisation after expansion. The polysaccharide is an acid containing polysaccharide or mixture of polysaccharides.

Abstract: There is described a method of isolating one or more of pectin, d-limonene, a flavor compound, a flavonoid, a soluble monosaccharide, a decomposition product of a monosaccharide and cellulose, from citrus material wherein said method comprises the microwave assisted hydrothermal low temperature treatment of citrus material.

Abstract: A carpet material with at least one of its components made easier for recycle by use of an adhesive which can be selectively altered to change the adhesion strength to allow component carpet layers to be separated.

Abstract: There is described a method of isolating one or more of pectin, d-limonene, a flavour compound, a flavonoid, a soluble monosaccharide, a decomposition product of a monosaccharide and cellulose, from citrus material wherein said method comprises the microwave assisted hydrothermal low temperature treatment of citrus material.

Abstract: A mesoporous material is derived from a polysaccharide by thermally assisted partial carbonisation after expansion. The polysaccharide is an acid containing polysaccharide or mixture of polysaccharides.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material is derived from a polysaccharide by carbonization. The polysaccharide is preferably a starch. The carbonaceous material has mesoporosity and is useful as a solid catalytic support.

Abstract: There is described a processor for use in the microwave torrefaction of biomass material which comprises, a micronised biomass char material and a method of producing a biomass char material, and a method of producing L-glucosan.

Abstract: A carpet material with at least one of its components made easier for recycle by use of an adhesive which can be selectively altered to change the adhesion strength to allow component carpet layers to be separated.

Abstract: There is described a structural material comprising a substrate and a binder characterised in that the binder comprises a bio-silicate and a process for the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A mesoporous material is derived from a polysaccharide by thermally assisted partial carbonisation after expansion. The polysaccharide is an acid containing polysaccharide or mixture of polysaccharides.