NordiCoats

NordiCoats is a collaborative initiative focused on developing bio-based epoxy alternatives for high-performance applications such as marine coatings and industrial adhesives, thereby reducing reliance on fossil-derived bisphenol A (BPA).

In 2024, the project achieved progress across multiple work packages, demonstrating the viability of greener epoxy solutions. Under WP1, researchers at NMBU optimized microbial oil and polymer production, achieving lipid yields of up to 50% dry cell weight in yeasts and scaling fermentations to 3L bioreactors. They also tested industrial side-streams like Arbaflame’s residual biomass, enhancing feedstock utilization and reducing production costs. Meanwhile, SINTEF BTN successfully produced bacterial alginate using glycerol rest, although lignocellulose hydrolysates required process adjustments.

WP2, led by RISE PFI, focused on lignin-based epoxy resins, producing reactive low molecular weight lignin via an organosolv process and epoxidizing it with epichlorohydrin. Exploratory work with furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural led to epoxy intermediates, broadening the platform of bio-based building blocks.

In WP3, SINTEF PT epoxidized vegetable oils with an 80% yield and found that branched amines facilitated stronger cross-linked networks than linear variants. Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) integration yielded enhanced hydrophobicity and mechanical properties in bio-based resin formulations.

WP4 highlighted scaling efforts at Jotun, where 1 kg batches of bio-based epoxies are being prepared for full-scale testing. Preliminary results revealed promising mechanical strength and environmental resistance, meeting industrial standards.

WP5’s life cycle and techno-economic assessments showed that bio-based epoxies could significantly lower carbon footprints and compete with fossil-based materials in cost.

Finally, WP6 emphasized dissemination and exploitation strategies, including plans for conference presentations and stakeholder engagement.

Overall, 2024 has seen critical breakthroughs in sustainable feedstock utilization, chemical modification, and industrial-scale testing, placing the NordiCoats project on track to deliver commercially viable, eco-friendly epoxy binders. In parallel, in-person and online meetings fostered knowledge exchange, keeping progress on track for Q4 2024 milestones.