Technology
Technology
Patented technology from RenFuel makes it possible to convert lignin, a biomass by-product from paper production, into different types of materials that can completely or partially replace fossil-based plastics. With other words, we have several ways to convert wood and agricultural waste into plastic-like materials. RenFuel is developing three different product families of lignin materials with different properties adapted to various market segments.
LIGNISOL®
LIGNISOL® is a thermoplastic polymer. It is blendable with most commercial thermoplastics. It can be mixed with crude or recycled fossil plastics to increase the bio-based content of most commercial plastic products. It can also be blended with bio-based thermoplastics to increase mechanical performance and promote other properties such as UV stabilisation, hardness and biodegradability depending on the thermoplastic.
The LIGNISOL® polymer shows a thermal stability up to above 200°C and can thus be co-processed with plastics through broadly available techniques, such as extrusion and injection molding, thus not requiring infrastructure adaptation.
LIGNISOL® is produced using non-toxic reagents through mild reaction conditions. Due to its nature, the polymer has a naturally brown colour. It can, however, be dyed to create products in other colours.
LIGNISOL® can be used for a variety of applications within areas such as packaging, consumer goods, barriers and specialty chemicals.
LIGNISET®
RenFuel has developed a thermosetting resin, LIGNISET®, that together with fibers create highly functional and fully biobased composites. LIGNISET® is being evaluated as a renewable alternative to, for example, polyester-based resins.
LIGNISET® can be delivered as a resin for curing, or as a cured material. The curing process can be run through molding processes at increased temperature and pressure. The polymer shows a thermal stability up to above 200°C. LIGNISET® is free from toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, BPA, PAHs, PCBs and heavy metals.
LIGNISET® composites are hydrophobic and highly durable. The resin can be used to produce rigid composite boards and sheets but also for more complex geometries. Selected areas of application include the substitution of fossil-derived resins with market segments within the construction and automotive industry.
LIGNIFLEX®
LIGNIFLEX® is an elastic lignin polymer with a high flexibility and hydrophobic properties. The polymer is a bio-based alternative to fossil-derived rubber or soft and flexible materials.
LIGNIFLEX® can be delivered as a resin for curing, or as a cured material. The curing process can be run through molding processes at increased temperature and pressure. The polymer shows a thermal stability up to above 200°C. LIGNIFLEX® is free from toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, BPA, PAHs, PCBs and heavy metals.