Location: Plant Polymer Research
Project Number: 5010-30600-007-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: May 6, 2025
End Date: May 5, 2030
Objective:
Objective 1: Enable replacement of petroleum-based resins with biobased resins for high performance, thermoset composites, and coatings.
Objective 2: Enable rubber compounds for tires that are performance competitive with current tire compounds, but possess a minimum of 70 weight percent biobased content and utilize an effective, biobased antiozonant that can potentially replace 6PPD.
Approach:
The development of new high-performance biobased thermoset composites will involve innovative chemical conversion methods and enhancements to several steps in the manufacturing process. Our focus will include the following key areas:
1. Utilizing new techniques to create biobased resins from plant-based oils.
2. Developing innovative epoxy resins with superior thermal and mechanical properties using lignin, a waste product from agricultural crops.
3. Improving existing crosslinking methods for plastic manufacturing by using chemicals derived from agricultural waste.
4. Exploring new biobased fillers to reinforce rubber compounds.
5. Formulating new plant-based rubber stabilizers to replace toxic compounds currently used to enhance the lifespan of rubber.
Each product will be tested for production efficiency and performance compared to existing products and technologies. We will collaborate with stakeholders, partners, and industrial collaborators to commercialize the most promising products.
This research will support national security by ensuring the availability of high-performance thermoset composites, stimulate economic growth by developing new products for domestic use and export markets, reduce the adverse effects associated with traditional plastic and rubber manufacturing, expand the market potential of agricultural crops, and create new job opportunities in rural communities.
