The Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, and Kumho P&B Chemicals Co., Ltd. (CEO Shin Woo-sung), an organic compound manufacturing company, are set out to secure eco-friendly composite material manufacturing technology. On June 22 (Thursday), KIMS agreed to transfer the ‘recyclable thermosetting resin manufacturing technology’ to Kumho P&B Chemicals Co., Ltd.

The technology transferred this time is a thermosetting resin manufacturing technology that can be easily decomposed into an aqueous solution. Compared to conventional thermosetting resins, which are difficult to disassemble after use, recycling is possible by adjusting the hydrophilic/lipophilic properties of epoxy resin and curing agent. Recycling is also possible by controlling the microstructure of the separated phase by applying reactive additives. It can be used for adhesives, coating materials, electrical insulation materials, etc., It can also be used in air mobility structural parts as a matrix material for lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber reinforced plastics(CFRP).

Kumho P&B Chemicals Co., Ltd. plans to advance the commercialization of eco-friendly thermosetting composite materials through this technology transfer. It is expected to secure a growth engine in the recycled and composite materials market.

The Principal researcher Dr. Jin-woo Yi, said, “If we can commercialize degradable thermosetting resins through this technology transfer, we will be able to get momentum to take the lead in the market for wind turbines, hydrogen storage containers, and aircraft structural parts, etc. which all use thermoset composites.

Meanwhile, Kumho P&B Chemicals Co., Ltd. was established in 1976, and they specialize in producing and selling phenol, acetone, and epoxy, basic industrial materials used in electrical/electronic, pharmaceutical, and paint industries. The company specializes in manufacturing epoxy resins for automobile parts, wind blades, pressure vessels, and aircraft parts.