Biobased Binders

The work in this area involves both thermoset and thermoplastic biobased binders. The thermoset resins are intended as biobased alternative to the current, fossil based, binders for panels, boards (particle boards, fiberboards, plywood, oriented strand board, etc.), and Engineered Wood Products. The novel biobased resins are intended to be low-emission products based primarily on plant proteins. The thermoplastic binders are intended as bioderived alternatives to the current fossil-based matrix polymers, e.g. polyolefins and poly vinyl chloride, used in wood plastic composites (WPCs) products of today. The bioderived thermoplastics should be durable, compatible with modified wood, have proper melt wetting characteristics and physical properties. The focus will be on polyester and cellulose esters.

Various types of products are addressed in several projects within this research area. Each project is coordinated by a leader, recruited from one of the participating industries, from a university or from a research institute.