Bio NIPU

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The project focuses on the development of 100% bio-based and non-toxic polyurethane for end products in the textile and synthetic rubber industry. In this way, knowledge institutions and companies from the border region strengthen their leading position in the development and deployment of bio-based materials. The production of biopolymers for commercial applications is increasing year after year. The transition to bio-based materials has also started within the synthetic rubber and textile industry. The textile sector wants to produce at least 20% of its products from biomaterial by 2030. However, biopolymers for textile coatings and synthetic rubber (elastomers), such as polyurethane, are only available for a limited number of applications and are not completely bio-based. For example, polyurethane contains substances that are associated with asthma and other chronic diseases. At the European level, a proposal was therefore adopted to limit the use of such substances. The Bio NIPU project therefore focuses on research into alternative, non-toxic building blocks for polyurethane synthesis. Fully renewable raw materials - such as residual flows from sugar refining and the production of biodiesel and natural oils and fats - are used to develop bio-based polyurethanes. Centexbel, Maastricht University, and Thomas More Kempen will combine their expertise with that of Limburg Urethaan Chemie (LUC) and Stahl International for the development of high-quality bio NIPU with the desired properties. The sustainability of this bio NIPU will be evaluated through life cycle analysis to identify the most suitable composition for large-scale production. This will result in 100% renewable and non-toxic end products for the textile and synthetic rubber industry.

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