New fatty acid-based binders and applications

Development of environmentally benign products and technologies has become increasingly interesting during recent years because of health and environmental aspects as well as recent environmental legislation. Many valuable intermediates and products can be produced via modification of natural fatty acids and oils. These renewable raw materials are highly attractive for ecological reasons. In this paper, new feasible options to produce environmentally friendly products and polymers from renewable fatty acids are discussed. Different methods of production, properties and applications of intermediates and binders under development are described. Especially work toward self-emulsifying, air-drying alkyd binders for coating applications is presented. In addition, possibilities to utilize fatty acid-based polymers in new applications, such as composites, are briefly introduced.