Recyclable Composite Resins

Researchers in University of Oulu have developed bio-based polyester and epoxy resins designed to replace conventional petroleum-derived materials in composite manufacturing without sacrificing performance, cost efficiency, or scalability.

Derived from forestry and agricultural waste streams such as sawdust and straw, the resins have demonstrated comparable or superior strength to traditional alternatives. In addition, they introduce chemical recyclability, enabling composite materials to be broken down and reused as raw inputs—addressing a key limitation of conventional composites, including those used in applications like wind turbine blades.

"Once bio-based platform chemicals are produced, they can be processed using existing chemical industry production lines," said Senior research fellow Juha Heiskanen. "Upgrading bio-based raw materials into high-performance materials and products offers a significant opportunity to expand the bioeconomy."

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