Bio-based and safer epoxy binders for coatings
NordiCoats is a collaborative research project developing sustainable, bio-based epoxy binders for high-performance coatings. By integrating biotechnology and chemo-synthetic approaches, the project aims to create safer, potentially recyclable alternatives to conventional, fossil-derived epoxy resins that often contain toxic compounds like bisphenol A. The initiative focuses on producing high-performance materials from renewable feedstocks, such as microbial oils and biopolymers, to support the green transition in the chemical and materials industry.
Overview
The NordiCoats project, involving the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), is developing a new generation of bio-based epoxy binders designed to replace conventional, fossil-derived, and potentially toxic epoxy resins. These innovative binders are intended for high-performance applications, such as marine and protective coatings, where they aim to provide performance comparable to existing benchmarks while significantly reducing environmental and health risks. By utilizing advanced biotechnology and chemo-synthetic strategies, the project seeks to mitigate reliance on harmful substances like bisphenol A (BPA) and promote a circular economy in the chemical and materials sector.
Technical specifications
The development platform integrates several advanced methodologies:
- Feedstock Utilization: Production of microbial oils and biopolymers from lignocellulosic sugars and upgraded biorefinery by-products, including microbial alginates derived from aquaculture and brewery side streams.
- Chemical and Enzymatic Modification: Base compounds are activated through chemical or enzymatic processes to engineer properties suitable for high-performance epoxy formulations.
- Nanotechnology Integration: Advanced nanotechnology is combined with bio-based compounds to enhance material properties, including potential recyclability and reduced energy consumption.
- Performance Testing: Formulations undergo rigorous functional testing, including assessments of mechanical strength, environmental resistance, and safety, to ensure they meet industrial standards for high-performance coatings.
Technology readiness level
The project is currently in the development phase (TRL 4-6). It is an active research initiative running from 2023 to 2026, involving laboratory-scale production, chemical modification, and functional testing of candidate formulations. Recent progress includes the preparation of 1 kg batches for testing and the evaluation of various coating...
About Norwegian University of Life Sciences
NMBU is a comprehensive public research university with about 8,400 students and 1,900 employees, combining broad academic scope with an applied, sustainability-oriented character. Its Ås campus, roughly 40 km south of Oslo, is part of Norway’s leading biosciences cluster and is co-located with NIBIO, Nofima, and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. Laboratories, experimental facilities, and a modern veterinary building give companies and public-sector partners practical access to research and expertise. Research is supported by the Research Council of Norway, the European Union, and other competitive external sources. Ard Innovation, NMBU’s technology transfer office, supports intellectual property, licensing, commercialization, and startup formation.
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