Energy-efficient processing of rendered animal proteins as value added bio-crosslinkers in high-strength thermosets

摘要

Emergence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has inhibited the use of proteinaceous materials from rendering industry with regard to animal feed, pet food, and fertilizers. In recent times, extensive research has been done towards finding suitable, alternative, non-feed and non-fertilizer applications for these materials. In this regard, plastics from proteins, especially thermoplastics and derived composites, have emerged as a potentially suitable choice. However, poor mechanical properties, high moisture absorbing ability as well as inherent odor have limited their widespread application. In this study, we developed high-strength, and toughened thermoset polymers from proteinaceous materials obtained from the rendering industry, such that they can be employed in high performance applications, such as automotive sector.