What is the importance of Argonnes process?
Argonne Laboratory has developed a process based on selective membranes that permits low-cost synthesis of high-purity ethyl lactate and other lactate esters from carbohydrate feedstock. The process requires little energy input, is highly efficient and selective, and eliminates the large volumes of salt waste produced by conventional processes. Lactate esters are nontoxic, biodegradable, and have excellent solvent properties that can replace toxic and halogenated solvents for a wide range of industrial and consumer uses. Until now they have been too expensive for widespread use. The Argonne process will enable the selling price of lactate esters to be cut in half, from about $1.60 – $2.00/lb to less than $1.00/lb. At such prices, it would be technically and commercially viable to use lactate esters in various formulations to replace of about 80% of the 3.8 million tons of solvents that are used in the United States each year. It could replace a range of environment-damaging halogenated
