Soy-Based Epoxy Alternatives to BPA and Similar (Hazardous) Industrial Feedstocks

Summary of the technology

Airable is developing a series of bio-based epoxy alternatives to hazardous industrial feedstocks, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), whose pervasiveness raises health concerns. Airable’s innovative bio-based chemicals are derived from soybean oil and use polyketonate functionality to grant reactivity similar to traditional aliphatic epoxies. Our environmentally friendly products may be formulated into adhesives, coatings, and composites for industrial and consumer applications.

Airable Research Lab, business line of Ohio Soybean Council
Airable Research Lab, business line of Ohio Soybean Council

Details of the Technology Offer

Soy-Based Epoxy Alternatives

Overview

Airable is developing a series of bio-based epoxy alternatives to hazardous industrial feedstocks, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), whose pervasiveness raises health concerns. Airable’s innovative bio-based chemicals are derived from soybean oil and use polyketonate functionality to grant reactivity similar to traditional aliphatic epoxies. Our environmentally friendly products may be formulated into adhesives, coatings, and composites for industrial and consumer applications.

Characteristics of Airable’s soy-based epoxy alternatives

SWAX-PK

FA-PK

EFA-PK

G-PK

Appearance

White Wax

Amber Liquid

Yellow Liquid

Yellow Liquid

Equivalent Molecular Weight (g/mol)

262

260

172

115

Functional Groups (#)

2

2

3

3

Viscosity (cPs @21°C)

Solid

62.6

908

101

Density (mg/mL)

N/A

1.017

1.083

1.229

Refractive Index

N/A

1.4775

1.4685

1.4645

Soy Content (%)

68

68

60

27

The Technology

Products were prepared that range from wax to liquid. To demonstrate simple proof of principle, the soy-based materials were formulated for coating applications by mixing 3:1 with Cymel 303 and an acid catalyst. The table below is representative of a basic coating formulation. The data collected suggests that certain soy-based products may be selected and blended to enhance adhesion, flexibility, or solvent resistance. Further formulation development is required to achieve optimized performance targets.

Coating properties of each soy-based epoxy alternative formulated with Cymel 303 and an acid catalyst. The coatings were baked at 120°C for 15 minutes.

SWAX-PK

FA-PK

EFA-PK

G-PK

Cross Hatch Adhesion

1B

5B

2B

5B

Mandrel Bend (cm)

> 20.9

< 0.13

< 0.13

> 20.9

Pencil Hardness

9B

2B

5B

9B

Water Resistance

Resistant – Hydrophobic

Resistant – Hydrophobic

Resistant – Hydrophobic

Not Resistant – Hydrophilic

MEK Double Rubs

90

> 200

> 200

120

The Benefits

  • A non-hazardous replacement for traditional petroleum-based epoxies
  • Suitable for flexible coatings
  • Applicable for water-resistant and solvent-resistant coatings

Status and Availability

This technology is an extension of Airable’s U.S. patent #2016/0297992. Contact Airable to discuss partnership options.

Attached documents

Related Keywords

  • Biobased Materials related to Construction Technology
  • Industrial Biotechnology
  • Bio- Composites
  • Biobased chemical building blocks
  • Biobased high-performance materials
  • Sustainability

About Airable Research Lab, business line of Ohio Soybean Council

GREEN PRODUCTS CAPITALIZE ON A CRITICAL MARKET TREND

Growing sustainability concerns have prompted advocacy for stricter chemical regulations, and both evolving policy and consumer preference have stimulated market shifts toward bio-based raw materials. Soybeans have broad applications across both consumer and industrial spheres, often providing benefits in terms of cost, function, and sustainability.

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