Bio-based solvent identification and evaluation for use in polyurethane resin binders for the roofing industry

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The after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt through all industries for many years, if not decades, yet following a crisis there is always an opportunity for innovation that can change the way businesses operate and make them more competitive. COVID-19 has brought sustainability to the forefront of the conversation. With increasing interest from climate experts, activists, governments and the next generation, it is industry's responsibility to respond by developing products that are not only functional, but genuinely sustainable, whilst remaining competitive in the global marketplace.Incorez is a key supplier of construction intermediates to the global Sika Group, and therefore well-positioned to develop the next generation of sustainable, bio-based building materials that will be used well into the future. With this project, Incorez seeks to identify and adopt high-performance bio-based solvents for use in its liquid applied membrane (LAM) roofing products. Solvents serve a critical role in resin manufacture and product formulation by facilitating chemical reactions, dissolving and stabilising formulations, controlling viscosity, and enabling rapid and smooth film formation. The solvents used in LAM products throughout industry are currently petroleum based and must be replaced with bio-based options as the UK transitions to a bio-economy.Incorez has partnered with Merck, a world leader in chemical manufacturing and distribution, and Green Rose Chemistry, the UK's leading green solvents consultancy, to lead an innovative project seeking bio-based solvents for the roofing industry. While the traditional industrial approach is to source and test existing available raw materials, incurring high lab testing costs and long product development times, this project aims to take a new approach that will accelerate and de-risk solvent research. Green Rose Chemistry will apply specialist solvent lead identification software based on the Hansen solubility parameters to mine an extensive database of bio-based solvents, identifying potential greener alternatives that have a much higher probability of successful commercialisation. Merck will assess the economics and available supply chain for the selected solvents, identifying the candidates that are commercially viable. Incorez will test the best prospects in its product development labs and oversee life cycle analysis to evaluate their long-term sustainability, laying the groundwork for incorporation of truly sustainable bio-based solvents in its next-generation roofing products.