Sawdust-based substitute for polymers from petroleum found
For three months, researchers tested biopolymer composite panels on a marina and determined the effects of water, temperature, humidity and ultraviolet radiation on them. The biopolymers were 76% stronger than those made from petroleum.
Two birds with one stone!
The resulting resins not only meet high performance standards and can replace petroleum in polymer production, but also solve the problem of recycling. Existing composites are very difficult to dismantle and often end up in landfills at the end of their useful life.
The new bio-based materials are designed for a closed-loop economy. They can be fully recycled, turning the production cycle into a continuous system.
Compatible with existing technologies
The developers are confident that the cost of producing bio-based materials will not differ significantly from petroleum-based polymers because their production process can be fully adapted to existing facilities. Producers of these materials will not have to incur additional costs to retrofit their lines.
The development of the researchers from the University of Oulu is relevant at a time when the global industry is striving to reduce carbon dioxide emissions without compromising quality. It also makes it possible to analyze the advantages of a closed-cycle economy, in which basic building materials are grown rather than extracted.
