DESCRIPTION
Scientists at NDSU have developed bio-based diols that are produced from compounds that can be extracted from cellulosic biomass. These diols may be used to produce epoxy resins without using bisphenol-A, as well as polyesters and polyurethanes. The epoxy resins can be used to produce a range of coatings, composites, and adhesives, including food and beverage container coatings. The compounds that are used to produce these diols are 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), diformyl furan (DFF), or derivatives of these compounds. The figure shows examples of the paths that can be utilized, but they are only a small sampling of the range of possibilities.
Benefits
- A wide range of diol monomers can be produced from bio-based raw materials
- These diols have the potential to replace petroleum-based diols in several polymers, including polyesters and polyurethanes
- Bio-based (and potentially GRAS) alternatives to bisphenol-A could be developed, e.g., for coating of food and beverage containers
Patents
This technology is the subject of issued US Patent 11,691,956, pending European Patent 3997077A1, and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.
