Technology

Bisphenol-A is a chemical produced in large quantities since the 1960s for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins are used in a number of applications including food and drink packaging and to coat products, respectively. In 2010, the United States Food and Drug Administration altered is position on Bisphenol-A and expressed concerns about the potential toxic effects of the compound on the brain, behavior, and prostate glands in fetuses, infants, and young children. The altered position was based on evidence from animal toxicity tests and has not been established in human toxicity tests to date. However, due to the potential concerns of using the compound in a wide range of products, there is a market need for an adequate and safe alternative to Bisphenol-A. Rowan University has discovered novel multi-aromatic, bis-phenolic or polyphenolic compounds comprised of a phenolic monomer derived from natural sources such as cashew nut shell liquid and / or capsaicin. The compounds are generated by condensing a phenolic or furan monomer with a phenolic monomer. In addition to cashew nut shell liquid, the monomers could be derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, plant oils, terpenes, animal fats, herbs, spices, or aquatic biomass. The compounds could be used to generate other chemically useful compounds including polymers and resins. Specifically, the compounds could be used as starting materials to produce a safe and novel replacement for Bisphenol-A.

Competitive Advantages

•       Renewable method of producing polymers and resins
•       Phenolic-containing compounds have reduced toxicity compared to Bisphenol-A
•       Polymeric materials developed from the compounds have increased durability, increased rigidity, increased glass transition, and reduced water permeability when compared to current polymeric materials

Opportunity

The market opportunity is attractive for the phenolic-containing compounds as an alternative to Bisphenol-A. The global Bisphenol-A market was estimated at almost $16 billion in 2016 and is expected to increase to over $22 billion by 2022 with annual growth rates of almost 5 percent. Global volume consumption of Bisphenol- A, was estimated at 8 million metric tons in 2016 and is projected to reach 10.6 million metric tons by 2022. Rowan University is looking for a partner for further development and commercialization of this technology through a license. The inventor is available to collaborate with interested companies.