In FY24, our project focused on refining previously scaled-up high fatty-acid content pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), leveraging advancements made at the end of FY23. This year’s efforts emphasized fine-tuning PSA formulations to meet commercial standards, paving the way for soy-derived materials to play a significant role in the fast-growing adhesive market.
Optimization work included refining adhesive composition, adjusting latex particle size, and balancing monomer content to achieve desired tack, peel, and shear properties for label-grade and other applications. The use of a phase-transfer agent, alongside these adjustments, enhanced stability and uniformity, ensuring that formulations met or exceeded key performance indicators. This integrated approach allows for tailored performance properties that can meet various industry needs.
Additionally, our work on CNCs derived from soybean hulls focused on scalable isolation techniques to improve charge density and mechanical strength in adhesive films. Initial biodegradation tests yielded promising results, with hybrid PSAs showing 15% decomposition within 27 days in composting environments, underscoring their potential for compostable applications.
In summary, the FY24 refinements support the commercial viability of soy-derived PSAs and CNCs, positioning these renewable materials as valuable, sustainable resources in adhesive and broader markets.