POS9-1126
Development of Fully Bio-Based Rosin-THFDM Tackifiers for Acrylic PSAs: Effect of Ester Composition on Adhesion Properties
Topic
S9. Polymer Technology for Sustainability
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Jinkee HONG
Ki Su KIM
Presenter(s)
Quang Linh Tran (UST, KITECH)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are widely used in numerous industrial applications; however, growing environmental concerns regarding petroleum-derived materials have increased interest in bio-based alternatives. Rosin-based tackifiers are particularly attractive because of their high bio-based carbon content and established use in commercial adhesive formulations. In this study, a fully bio-based tackifier was developed from two non-edible biomass-derived building blocks: rosin-derived abietic acid and tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM), a diol obtained from lignocellulosic furfural. This approach reduces competition with food resources while providing a sustainable platform for high-bio-content adhesive materials. The esterification of rosin with THFDM produced two main structures: a THFDM–rosin monoester and a THFDM–rosin diester. Their respective contributions to tackifying performance were investigated by isolating the products and evaluating their effects on the adhesion properties of acrylic PSAs. The diester was found to be primarily responsible for improving adhesion, whereas the monoester showed only a limited contribution. Based on these findings, the effect of the rosin-to-THFDM molar ratio on the composition of the crude reaction product was also systematically examined to enable the direct use of the unpurified reaction mixture as a fully bio-based tackifier, thereby simplifying the production process and improving its potential for industrial application.
