TISZABOND D3 Greenbond, a moisture-resistant adhesive with biomass content

Szolvegy, manufacturer and distributor of TISZABOND adhesives, announces the first adhesive containing resin from biomass. It is a first step in the process of gradually replacing petroleum-based resins with those from renewable sources. More of these steps, however small, are needed to halt climate change caused by very high carbon dioxide emissions. Global warming is no joke, and this summer proved it. Record temperatures of 48-49°C in southern Spain in the shade show that urgent action is needed. Fortunately, at European level there is already an agreement in place since 2019 - the European Green Deal - which aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050.

European Green Pact

The European Commission has set out in the Green Pact (European Green Deal), unveiled on 11 December 2019, to become the global leader in sustainable and competitive economy. The main objective is for Europe to become climate neutral by 2050. The pact's proposals aim to ensure that all sectors of the EU economy achieve climate targets in a fair, cost-effective and competitive way, building a new economic model.

The pact was supported by all 27 Member States. As a first step towards neutrality in 2050, Member States committed to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This will create new opportunities for innovation, investment and jobs, and lead to reduced emissions and external energy dependence. But above all, it will improve the health and well-being of EU citizens.

The themes of the pact include making transport of all kinds sustainable, creating jobs green, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, building for a greener lifestyle, reducing greenhouse gases by cleaning energy system, working with nature to protect our planet and our health. The latter theme also includes replacing materials obtained by processing fossil resources (oil, natural gas, coal) with those obtained from renewable sources (agricultural, forestry and urban waste).

D3 adhesive with biomass content

Concern for achieving climate targets was also present at Ligna 2023. One of the main themes was the bioeconomy, i.e. the economy based on renewable resources, not on fossil and mineral raw materials. Companies have realised that change can no longer be delayed and have committed significant resources to research, development and innovation.

Szolvegy is also on the way to this change with the introduction of TISZABOND D3 3105 GREENBOND adhesive in its product range. The adhesive contains 5% resins derived from biomass. As honestly admits the producer, the percentage may seem insignificant. But it is important because it shows concern for change. It also shows that it is possible to obtain resins with very good adhesive properties from renewable raw materials, not oil. This is a limit that has been crossed, and from now on it will be much easier to increase this percentage.

TISZABOND D3 3105 GREENBOND is a polyvinyl acetate-based dispersion adhesive containing reactive groups and a range of additives that prevent sedimentation and improve adhesion. 5% of the resin is derived from renewable raw materials (biomass). The adhesive is in moisture resistance class D3. It can be used indoors in environments with high humidity (bathroom, kitchen), outdoors in a protected environment or with short exposure to humidity and in construction, when joining wood to other porous materials (fixing steps to concrete stairs, fitting doors and windows, etc.). Not recommended for gluing structures permanently exposed to water (boats, ships) and those permanently exposed to static loading (roof supports).

The adhesive is used undiluted. Only if necessary, max. 10% water can be added. It should be noted that thinning increases the drying time and decreases the thickness of the adhesive film. Therefore it is best to use undiluted, shaking vigorously before use will help the fluidisation. Apply by hand with brush, roller or spatula or mechanically. Surfaces to be glued should be cleaned of dust and the wood should have moisture content in the range 8-10%. The temperatures of the medium, wood and adhesive should be as close as possible to and around 15°C.

Biomass, source of green energy and raw material for industrial resins

Biologically, biomass is any kind of organic matter. The term has been adopted to define a raw material green from which energy can be obtained or which can be processed into various resins used in industry. Biomass was first obtained and developed as an alternative energy source in 1973, when the price of oil soared due to the Arab-Israeli war.

Waste from agriculture, forestry and related industries as well as the biodegradable part of industrial and municipal waste is used to form biomass. It is only waste and residues that cannot be used for human or animal consumption. The use of biomass leads to a reduction in oil consumption - fuel and feedstock for a wide range of resins - and carbon dioxide emissions.

Biomass is a renewable and sustainable raw material. Because it comes from living organic matter, it grows naturally, absorbing a lifetime supply of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When processed, the carbon dioxide released is offset by that absorbed during growth. Thus, the overall carbon footprint is reduced.