HIGH VALUE CANOLA PROTEIN FOR BIO-ADHESIVES APPLICATIONS DERIVED FROM CANOLA MEAL

Shoes, cars, electronics, self-adhesive notes/envelopes, engineered wood composites, coatings and paints are just a few of the many products requiring adhesives.Many adhesives, however,are made from non-renewable petroleum-based materialsraising concernsfor increased petroleum usage and reliance, a source ofenvironmental pollution and human health problems related toacute chemical exposure. Therefore, the development of biobased protein adhesives can offer a safe and cost-affordable alternative. In addition, biobased productsderived fromagricultural products, co-products, and residues offer new directions for providing greater opportunities and solutions to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economics. Industrial applications for canola protein adhesives can not only provide new market opportunities for the canola industry and US farmers but also help expand capabilities for a "green" bio-renewable economy and reduce reliance on heavily utilized fossil fuel feedstocksThis work willestablish the feasibility of an innovative technology to produce biodegradable, high performance and durable bio-based protein adhesive using canola meal.We will demonstrate that(1) canola protein with considerable amount of hydrophobic amino acids will provide biobased adhesives with superior water resistance; (2) canola protein fractions isolated within large pH values may have improved adhesion behaviors; and (3) modification of canola protein structures and surface hydrophobicity will lead to superior adhesive performance. Results from this work will serve as the technical foundation for commercial development leading to the widespread availability of biobased canola protein adhesive products.