Biodegradable resin for adhesives and coatings
Researchers have patented the first plant-based resin of its kind that would be ideal for tapes, labels and other adhesive uses. It also can provide shiny coatings.
“Painters generally finish projects with mounds of used tape made of low-quality paper that does not recycle,” said Susan Sun, university distinguished professor of grain science and industry at Kansas State University. “If they could use biodegradable tape, like ours, it would greatly reduce the amount of waste.”
Long shelf life and water-resistant
In addition to adhesive applications, the resin could be used in coatings on wooden surfaces, slick magazine pages, bags of potato chips and other items needing shiny and protective surfaces that are either flexible or rigid. Sun said the resin outperforms previous bio-based adhesives because it adheres to a surface for a longer period of time, has a longer shelf life and is more water-resistant. Because the substance is plant-based, its resources are biodegradable and renewable.
Made from soybean and corn
“Our resin is unique because it is made from soybean, corn and other plant oils,” Sun said. “Currently available resins are made from petroleum-based products, which are less sustainable, and from plant fatty acids, which cost more to process.”
