Researchers from University of Toronto have developed bisphenol A (BPA) free epoxy resin, using tree bark, for making industrial strength adhesives.
“One of the key chemical building blocks of epoxies is bisphenol A (BPA), which industry would like to phase out because of its potential health impacts,” said Ning Yan, a professor in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
Upscaling Chemical Processes for Industrial Implementation
Yan and her team have shown that bark extracts can be used to make a BPA-free epoxy resin. Like the traditional product, bark-derived epoxy resin can be mixed with a hardener to create an industrial-strength adhesive.
While the proof-of-concept studies are encouraging, Yan says that there is still some distance to go before the products can be commercialized. “There are still some challenges with respect to performance, especially in terms of strength,” added Yan. “We also have to consider how these chemical processes will be scaled up so that they can be implemented on an industrial scale.”
University of Toronto’s Low Carbon Renewable Materials Centre (LCRMC) researchers are working with players along the value chain, as well as organizations focused on research and development to create new pathways to translate their innovations into full-scale applications.
“I see this as an opportunity to develop a greener, more sustainable economy,” said Yan.
加载中...
