Cost-effective production of lignin platform chemicals:
Extending the biobased chemicals portfolio
- A CBE JU funded project
- Innovation Action
- 13 partners
- 4-year duration
-
6.9 M EUR total cost
(5.4 M EUR funding)
Thermoset adhesives for synthetic waterproof membranes and wood panels/particle board
Thermoset adhesives
These are polymers, which turn solid after curing. This means the soft resin turns irreversibly hard and can be used as an adhesive.
There are a range of materials which can be used as resins, each with different characteristics. Most are fossil-based and some of them have hazardous intermediates. In COUNTLESS, our project partners are working on using lignin-derived aromatics in resins, to replace formaldehyde. These can then be used in waterproofing membranes or particle boards.
Waterproofing membranes
Waterproofing is essential for construction, keeping the structure of buildings safe from the elements, but also making the interior more comfortable. Membranes can protect the walls, foundations, or roofs of buildings, by either creating an air and vapour barrier, or a vapour-permeable barrier.
Particle Board
Particle board is important for interior design and furniture. This type of wood-based panel is made from saw dust or wood chips and a resin, or binder (a kind of adhesive). Using particle board helps to utilise sawmill by-products, leading to a cost-efficient product.
In COUNTLESS, we are working on creating a sustainable, bio-based thermoset adhesives for the particle boards, derived from lignin. This could replace the often-used formaldehyde-based resins.
When testing the thermoset adhesives prepared in the project, our partners at Kastamonu Entegre prepare smaller panels of about 50 x 50 cm. The resin is prepared and mixed with the wood chip mixture. After the mixture is spread in a form it is pressed and heated to form the particle board. Rigorous quality testing confirms the suitability of the particle board for the desired applications.
In addition, lignin-based flame retardants are also being trialled, which bring environment and health benefits to the finished product.