The research group New Materials and Applications of Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans), is leading in developing sustainable adhesive solutions. The aim is to create materials that can be reused and recycled.
Within the BiDebA project, Avans is focussing on bio-based adhesives, an innovative alternative to traditional, petroleum-based adhesives. These adhesives, made from natural ingredients, aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the strength needed for critical applications, like repairing composite aircraft structures.
Research on Bio-Based Polystyrene
Avans University of Applied Sciences involves students within their research projects. Bas Sanders, 3rd year student Biobased Technology and Chemistry is conducting important research on bio-based polystyrene as an adhesive. His work focuses on exploring how polystyrene, made from renewable resources, can be used for repairing composite parts in aircraft. This research has the potential to make aviation more sustainable by reducing the need for non-renewable materials.
Research on Bio-Based Adhesives
Bas: “The adhesives that I am focusing on are biobased polystyrene alternatives, which can be made from lignin derivatives. By using these derivatives, waste lignin has more value, and the produced product is a greener alternative than their oil derived counterparts.
The goal of my research is to create a strong adhesive that rivals the current fossil-based adhesives used in the industry in terms of strength, while also making the adhesive debondable when exposed to a high temperature that won't damage the product. ”
Join Avans at Lijm Event 2024
Avans University of Applied Sciences will present the BiDebA project at the Lijm Event 2024 on November 27th 2024, at Microcentrum in Veldhoven, The Netherlands. Avans will showcase the research on bio-based adhesives for aircraft repair. You can register on the events’ website and by using the following code you get free entrance: MCFR20241127. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet us and see the latest what we’ve been working on!
Workshops in 2025
Looking ahead, Avans will be hosting two workshops at the beginning of next year. The first workshop, held at our campus in Breda, will focus on the formulation of bio-based adhesives. The second will demonstrate the removability of adhesives—critical for reuse and recycling.
Stay tuned for more information!