COLUMBUS, OHIO (Dec. 11, 12:10 p.m. ET) — Scientists at the Battelle Memorial Institute say they have developed a novel, water-based polyurethane which is more environmentally responsible.
This cost-effective polyurethane is based on polyol derived from soy-oil, and is free of the solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).
Columbus-based Battelle claims this new polyurethane has less odor than its petroleum-based counterpart and can be used in a wide variety of coatings and adhesives.
According to Battelle, water-based polyurethanes must have NMP added during the manufacturing process in order to lower viscosity. This proprietary new recipe eliminates the need for that expensive solvent, an important new breakthrough that reduces costs, handling, reporting regulations, vapors and pollution.
The polyurethane stems from research fostered in Battelle’s formal mentoring program. It was funded by Ohio soybean farmers through the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC).
