Production de nouvelles résines thermodurcissables terpéniques

BoréA is an essential oils producer from coniferous and plants from boreal forest. His plant located at Chapais in Nord-du-Québec can extract essential oils from tens of tons of forest waste daily. His symbiosis with electrical plant of Chapais Énergie allows him an acces to a nearly inexhaustible forest waste and steam. Hence, BoréA developped an industrially viable business model and ecoresponsible with the potential to greatly enhance his production. BoréA’s essential oils are sold at many customers in perfumery, household products, cosmetics, massotherapy and aromatherapy fields. However, BoréA noted that the need of his customers is under his production potential. Thus, in the case where the essential oils offer exceed the market need after an early expansion of his production capacity, or after the coming of a major competitor, BoréA would want to find a new market for his essential oils. Moreover, with the tightening of quality criteria of his customers, BoréA want an alternative way of valorization for his off-specification batches.

Hence, OLEOTEK, BoréA and Sanexen Services Environnementaux have developped together a research project in order to transform essential oils, mainly composed of terpenes, in biobased thermoset materials. From diphenolic terpenes, we will create epoxy-type resins, aiming their implantation in various markets such as structuring materials. This research project will have important impacts for each partners. OLEOTEK and the Cégep de Thetford will continue to consolidate their expertise in preparation of renewable thermoset materials, while allowing a doctoral student to acquire leading-edge knowledge in this field. BoréA will have made a work that he consider critical in order to prepare his medium/long term buid-up by providing for an additionnal valorization way for his essential oils. Sanexen, a major player in sewer and pipeline repair and an important epoxy resin user, will rely on this new technology as an alternative of replacement for his Bisphenol-A based epoxy resin by a greener one, a corporate strategy adopted for some time. Moreover, important economic benefits for Nord-du-Québec region are expected in the case where this projet will lead to the creation of an additional industry at Chapais.