VAM-based adhesive from bioethanol

Purpose and goal:

The objective of the proposed project is to initiate the development of a process enabling manufacturing of a sustainable, completely biobased adhesive competing with its fossil alternative in an already well-established market. Within the scope of this project, the aim is to experimentally validate the first chemical reaction of a process for producing VAM in which bioethanol derivatives are used as feedstocks.

Expected results and effects:

The proposed process has not yet been experimentally demonstrated but was derived on a purely theoretical basis. The project therefore starts at TRL 2 and will reach TRL 4 upon completion of experimental tests. Previous insights in market and IP landscape together with complementary work on market acceptance and the overall business case will result in a movement to MRL 4. The project will contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing a fossil product with a biobased one.

Approach and implementation:

Equipment for the process is available at a test facility owned by one of the project partners. Financing from Vinnova will be allocated towards equipment commissioning and running experiments in at least three isolated sets, each set followed by analysis of results and subsequent adjustment of process parameters. Adjustments will be made with the objective of increasing the concentration of product in the process output.

Trials will mainly be performed using 100% biobased feedstock produced by one of the project parties, but at least one trial will use fossil feedstock for reference.