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This week in the lab, Dylan Karis has been working on acrylated epoxidized soy methyl ester (AESME). AESME is a monomer, the building blocks of larger molecules called polymers. Polymers are essential materials that are widely used in everyday life. Both synthetic and natural polymers are used in, coatings, elastomers, adhesives, blends, plastics, fibers, caulks, ceramics, and composites. AESME can also be used in the production of latex and acrylic coatings and paints.

Another important material that AESME helps to produce are UV curable resins. These resins are materials that polymerize and cure in short time by the energy of ultraviolet rays. UV curable resins specifically are one-part nonsolvent adhesives that cure within seconds without pollution because of the absence of solvents. This allows for a shorter manufacturing process. UV resins are known to be non-toxic and food safe. Some products that utilize UV resins include; smart phone screens, the adhesive that is applied when putting braces on, jewelry-making, additive manufacturing, and much more.

For more information about Airable, OSC’s checkoff-funded product research lab, and our mission for sustainability, check out our website: https://www.airableresearchlab.com/.