SUSBICO: Sustainable biocomposites

SUSBICO project combines two strong research expertise areas: biomass-derived material development in Oulu and composite research in Luleå. The main goal of the bilateral project is to develop novel green polyester resins that have competitive or better materials properties compared to the current fossil-based resins and possess promising commercial potential. As results of the project, deep understanding, and know-how about biomass-based polyester resins and their utilization in composite structures will be gained. The project aims to deepen the knowledge about biobased resins by focusing the research and development work on novel bio-derived polyester resins.

In the project, optimized synthetic methods for the bio-derived polyester resins will be developed. Materials properties such as curing behavior will be studied in detail. The novel resins will be formulated with reactive diluents that are either naturally occurring compounds or prepared from biomass-derived chemicals. The resin formulations will be mixed with reinforcement agents such as fiberglass or natural fibers to receive composite structures with very high biomass-derived carbon content. The resulting blends will be cured to form composite structures. The properties of the prepared composites will be studied in detail including e.g., mechanical and thermal testing.

After the project, technology readiness level 4/5 has been achieved which creates a necessary and a great premise for a next stage project on commercialization path e.g., EU level project together with companies to further develop the bio-derived polyester resin innovation towards highest technology readiness levels, ready for up-scaling production and commercial products and solutions.