Soy-BaSed TherMoSeT PlaSTicS - Soy New Uses

MARKET OPP0RTUNITY SUMMARYSoy-Based Thermoset PlasticsSoy oil containing unsaturated polyester resins are beingproduced by two major chemical companies: Ashland Inc. andReichhold Inc. Other chemical companies have reported to bedeveloping these soy-containing resins, but no commercialactivity by others has been announced. Improved reactivity of theresin system containing soy oil is a sought-after property.Soy-based thermoset composites continue to slowly gainmarket penetration. Interest in renewable resources drives theinterest, but cost parity is a must. Pricing of soy oil compared topetroleum-based products is favorable. Aggressive marketing ofthe benefits of these resins helps to drive the market penetration.Another route to producing thermoset unsaturated polyester andepoxy resins from soy oil is from glycerin, which is a byproductof the biodiesel manufacturing process. The amount of biodieselproduced in the United States will dictate the supply of glycerin,and newfound uses will determine its value. The conversionof glycerin for materials to be used in thermoset compositeswill be driven by the economics of glycerin feedstock and thetechnology to find economical conversion processes. Solvayand Dow Chemical have both begun producing epichlorohydrinfor thermoset epoxy from glycerin. Other companies arereported to be converting glycerin into propylene glycol,which is used to make unsaturated polyester resins. Most ofthese announcements are for overseas plants. Other routesof producing feedstock for thermoset resins from soy meal byfermentation are being investigated. Soy meal, flour and hullsare also being investigated as fillers for thermoset plastics.ABOUT USBThe 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investmentsof the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for allU.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leveragecheckoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil,to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have thefreedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needsof U.S. soy’s customers. As stipulated in the federal SoybeanPromotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDAAgricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilitiesfor USB and the soy checkoff.For more information, visit: soynewuses.org©2012 United Soybean Board [44422-MOS-9/12]