Biobased material part-replaces petroleum derived materials in polyurethane

Battelle has written a new chapter in its successful book of creating and commercializing environmentally friendly products derived from soybeans. It has licensed polyols used for intermediates in making foams, coatings and adhesives to Emery OleoChemicals LLC which will be the exclusive producer of the petroleum replacement chemical in North and South America and Western Europe.

Battelle has performed research on alternative uses for soybeans funded by the Ohio Soybean Council and the United Soybean Council for years, with many breakthroughs, such as plasticizers for flexible vinyl products, toner for printers, lubricants, coatings, and many other products that partially or totally replace petroleum-based components.

In this case, Battelle scientists invented a patented process for production of polyols that will be commercialized by Emery OleoChemicals LLC for use in various flexible and rigid foams, polyurethane coatings and adhesives. The technology allows polyols built from renewable resources to replace their counterparts which come from oil on a cost-competitive basis, benefitting the environment and giving farmers an additional outlet for their crops. Polyols are multifunctional alcohols that are reactive oxygen-hydrogen compounds. They are widely used in industry, especially for the production of polyurethanes and polyesters. They can also be used as a starting point for high-performance ester lubricants.

“We value our association with both the Ohio Soybean Council and the United Soybean Board and creating new uses for their products means great things for all of us,” said Rick Heggs, Senior Market Manager for Battelle’s Energy, Environment and Material Sciences Global Business. “Our aim is to help everyone reduce their dependence on oil, provide value for our licensees and commercialize great ideas.”

Emery OleoChemicals LLC, with North American headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the world’s largest Oleochemicals producers, with worldwide distribution and plants in North America, Germany and Malaysia. As the world’s largest independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management; National Security; Health and Life Sciences; and Energy, Environment and Material Sciences.

Source

plastemart.com, 2011-06-20.

Supplier

Battelle Memorial Institute
Emery OleoChemicals LLC
Ohio Soybean Council
United Soybean Board (USB)

Share