Airable is developing a series of bio-based epoxy alternatives to hazardous industrial feedstocks, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), whose pervasiveness raises health concerns. Airable’s innovative bio-based chemicals are derived from soybean oil and use polyketonate functionality to grant reactivity similar to traditional aliphatic epoxies. Our environmentally friendly products may be formulated into adhesives, coatings, and composites for industrial and consumer applications.
Soy-Based Epoxy Alternatives
Overview
Airable is developing a series of bio-based epoxy alternatives to hazardous industrial feedstocks, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), whose pervasiveness raises health concerns. Airable’s innovative bio-based chemicals are derived from soybean oil and use polyketonate functionality to grant reactivity similar to traditional aliphatic epoxies. Our environmentally friendly products may be formulated into adhesives, coatings, and composites for industrial and consumer applications.
Characteristics of Airable’s soy-based epoxy alternatives
SWAX-PK | FA-PK | EFA-PK | G-PK | |
Appearance | White Wax | Amber Liquid | Yellow Liquid | Yellow Liquid |
Equivalent Molecular Weight (g/mol) | 262 | 260 | 172 | 115 |
Functional Groups (#) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Viscosity (cPs @21°C) | Solid | 62.6 | 908 | 101 |
Density (mg/mL) | N/A | 1.017 | 1.083 | 1.229 |
Refractive Index | N/A | 1.4775 | 1.4685 | 1.4645 |
Soy Content (%) | 68 | 68 | 60 | 27 |
The Technology
Products were prepared that range from wax to liquid. To demonstrate simple proof of principle, the soy-based materials were formulated for coating applications by mixing 3:1 with Cymel 303 and an acid catalyst. The table below is representative of a basic coating formulation. The data collected suggests that certain soy-based products may be selected and blended to enhance adhesion, flexibility, or solvent resistance. Further formulation development is required to achieve optimized performance targets.
Coating properties of each soy-based epoxy alternative formulated with Cymel 303 and an acid catalyst. The coatings were baked at 120°C for 15 minutes.
SWAX-PK | FA-PK | EFA-PK | G-PK | |
Cross Hatch Adhesion | 1B | 5B | 2B | 5B |
Mandrel Bend (cm) | > 20.9 | < 0.13 | < 0.13 | > 20.9 |
Pencil Hardness | 9B | 2B | 5B | 9B |
Water Resistance | Resistant – Hydrophobic | Resistant – Hydrophobic | Resistant – Hydrophobic | Not Resistant – Hydrophilic |
MEK Double Rubs | 90 | > 200 | > 200 | 120 |
The Benefits
Status and Availability
This technology is an extension of Airable’s U.S. patent #2016/0297992. Contact Airable to discuss partnership options.
GREEN PRODUCTS CAPITALIZE ON A CRITICAL MARKET TREND
Growing sustainability concerns have prompted advocacy for stricter chemical regulations, and both evolving policy and consumer preference have stimulated market shifts toward bio-based raw materials. Soybeans have broad applications across both consumer and industrial spheres, often providing benefits in terms of cost, function, and sustainability.
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