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66 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2022 push to include content as high as possible. It goes without saying that bio-coatings have sig- nificantly less impact on the environment and meet the ethical needs of manufacturers and end users. However, the most surprising ben- efit we have observed is the improvement in performance. Even additives such as powders can be bio-based. Does a particular chemistry, i.e., epoxy or polyurethane, lend itself to removing some of the chemicals present and substituting them for bio-based content. If yes, why is this? Both are suited. If we refer to Beth Turner's award-winning white paper on next genera- tion bio-resins, she states, "Nature offers an abundance of macromolecules and smaller molecular weight compounds that provide renewable sources for polymers, as opposed to crude oil. ese renewable resources make ideal structural backbones for the synthesis of biopolymers, renewable-based monomers, fillers and additives, the key ingredients for polyurethane and epoxy thermoset materi- als. Research and development to promote innovative solutions that lead to a sustainable economy shows that bio-based materials can deliver a viable alternative to materials derived from crude oil, even in electronic encapsula- tion applications." Do bio-based resins behave in a different way when being poured or when curing compared to their chemical versions, and are the tech datasheets almost identical in terms of the qualities exhibited? Interestingly, bio-based resins show the same dispensing behaviour and cure profiles as con- ventional resins, so there is no need to invest in adaptive equipment. ere is no negative effect on processability or curing when using bio-based materials and performance is equiv- alent. However, we do see significant benefits in cured properties when select bio-based raw materials are used. Combining a bio-based polymer matrix and hardener with a biogenic filler offers a significant improvement in ther- mal conductivity compared to a fully synthetic polyurethane using a synthetic polymer matrix derived from crude oil and mineral rock filler. e bio-based resin also offers better electri- cal insulation and thermal stability while also having a higher resistance to hydrolysis vs. a synthetic polyurethane resin. Are bio-based products gaining popularity purely due to their association with sustainability or do they exhibit qualities that are superior to their chemical alternatives? Initial interest is oen sparked because of the increasing focus on sustainability but this is extended by research showing signifi- cant performance benefits for bio-based res- ins. e best way to succeed with bio-based products is to ensure consumers do not have to compromise on quality in order to make the more sustainable choice. As was docu- mented in Beth Turner's white paper, use of certain bio-based raw materials offers sub- stantial benefits in terms of the cured res- in's electrical and thermal performance vs. synthetic-based raw materials. e fact that these high-performance, bio-based materi- als are a more sustainable solution is really an added bonus. It's especially exciting that some of the raw materials tested were from biogenic waste, adding another layer of sus- tainability by repurposing waste material from other industries. In your experience, is sustainability something that genuinely affects manufacturers and their reputation in the market as doing their absolute best to reduce their carbon footprint, or is this more of a box-ticking exercise?