Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBPIn order to connect for instance wood or cork, mostly petroleum-based adhesive systems are used. Non‑natural chemicals are also used to protect the natural materials against microbial infestation as well as fire loads. Thus, the ecological potential of the wood and cork products are reduced.
To date, the product development of epoxy resin‑based polymers has been limited mainly to investigations of curing behavior and material design for thermosetting applications. The project involves the development of a biogenic adhesive system based on nature‑based epoxies and effective hardener systems. The aim of the project is to provide biogenic adhesive systems with antimicrobial and flame‑retardant effects by additives on a biogenic basis. In addition to the influence of the additives on the curing behavior and on the physical properties of the adhesive systems, functional tests for the antimicrobial or flame‑retardant effect are also carried out. The bonding of the biogenic additives to the adhesive should be free of emissions and surface‑effective. The selected additives should be harmless to health.
Through the development of new adhesives new market segments of great strategic importance will be opened.