Catalyst Deactivation Mechanism for Rosin Hydrogenation

The hydrogenation of gum rosin is an important industrial process for the production of rosin used in numerous sectors, particularly in the adhesive industry. These materials, derived from a renewable natural resource, are increasingly in demand in a production context that aims for sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
The hydrogenation process uses a palladium-based catalyst (Pd/C), which, progressively loses activity over time. This deactivation leads to high costs, increased energy consumption, and a reduction in the quality of the final product. Before this project, the main causes of this phenomenon had not yet been fully understood.
The work carried out for this project, in collaboration with Synthomer Middelburg B.V. and the EngD program at TU/e, studied the catalyst deactivation mechanism in depth. Through the use of advanced characterization techniques, pilot-scale experiments, and the analysis of industrial plant data, it was possible to identify the root cause of the deactivation. The deactivation mechanism is the accumulation of rosin-derived residues and coke within the porous structure if the catalyst.
The development of a measurement system for the deactivation rate and the analysis of plant data showed that increasing the hydrogen-to-feed ratio reduces catalyst deactivation, improving overall process efficiency. This result was statistically confirmed and implemented in the plant, generating immediate benefits in terms of stability and productivity.
In conclusion, the project demonstrated how a deeper understanding of catalytic phenomena can lead to real industrial benefits and opens the door to future improvements in stability and efficiency of the gum-rosin hydrogenation process.