Sorona can theoretically be produced from about 37% renewable resources as [3] DuPont won a 2003 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for their development of the fermentation process for the production of 1,3-propanediol from corn-derived glucose in recombinant Escherichia coli K-12.[5]
The polymer Sorona has been mentioned by J. Craig Venter in interviews as an example of an application of industrial biotechnology. He was quoted as saying, "DuPont argues that Sorona is going to be the first billion-dollar biotech product other than a pharmaceutical".[6]
Uses and Applications
Sorona has been used in the manufacture of clothing, residential carpets, automotive fabrics, and plastic parts.[7]Mohawk Industries is currently the exclusive North American carpet manufacturer making carpets using DuPont Sorona fiber.[8]
^Ward, I. M.; Wilding, M. A.; Brody, H. (1976). "The mechanical properties and structure of poly(m-methylene terephthalate) fibers". Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition. 14 (2): 263–274. Bibcode:1976JPoSB..14..263W. doi:10.1002/pol.1976.180140206.
^Manahan, S.E. Environmental Chemistry, CRC Press, 2005, p. 503.