U.S. biomaterials company Ecosynthetix says that nanoparticles derived from sugar and starch can replace the petroleum used in adhesives, coatings, inks, and plastics. Ecosynthetix CEO John van Leeuwen said that, unlike petroleum, these nanoparticles come from renewable crops. The article says that starch nanoparticles have 400 times the surface area of natural starch particles and, therefore, require less water to be useful in adhesives. Van Leeuwen said, “You get higher output due to reducing the cooling time needed, and there’s also less warping of the paper due to lack of heat, which leads to higher paper strength.” The article says adhesives for making corrugated cardboard were a US$3 billion industry in 2003. The article says that the nanoparticles could also have applications in petroleum-based inks and toners.
