Chemical engineers from Michigan State University have created a styrene-free bio-renewable resin for use in the manufacture of everything from boats and wind turbine blades to materials used in the construction industry.

The team developed the bio-renewable resin through a combination of poly(lactide) (PLA) and methyl methacrylate, the production of which demonstrated a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions versus the production of unsaturated polyester resins like styrene used in the manufacture of fiberglass composites.Source: Michigan State University

Styrene, a synthetic chemical used in the manufacture of resins, rubber and plastics, is commonly used to produce fiberglass composites for products such as boats, kitchen countertops and bathroom sinks, to name a few. However, styrene is not renewable, and is both a volatile organic compound and thought to be a potential human carcinogen.

As such, the team from Michigan State University is working alongside Marblecraft, a Michigan marble manufacturer, to develop kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities and sinks using the newly developed resins.

Currently, the team is conducting mechanical and environmental tests on the bio-renewable resin according to appropriate ASTM standards.