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Cara Plastics develops and manufactures bio-based polymers and composites from soyoil and natural fibers. Cara has confirmed that these oils can be made into thermosetting resins and can be processed using conventional composite manufacturing methods such as resin transfer molding (RTM), Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) sheet molding compound (SMC), bulk molding compound (BMC), and others. Cara Plastics resins are compatible with traditional composite fibers such as glass and carbon and also with natural fibers such as cellulose, jute, kenaf, straw, flax, hemp and chicken feathers. The bio-based resins are suited for manufacturing of high performance parts and large structures such as Hurricane Resistant Roofs designed by Cara. Thus, the entire market for thermosetting composites is open to the use of modified soybean oils.

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In addition to high performance thermoset resins, the oils can also be converted to pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA), Elastomers, coatings, foam and polyols for rigid and soft polyurethane foam applications. The plant oil materials are biocompatible and some are biodegradable (PSA and Elastomers). They are excellent resins for use with nanocomposites through their compatibility with carbon nanotubes and nanoclays. Cara Plastics bio-based resins are energy efficient compared to their petroleum-based equivalents and their manufacture and use promotes global sustainability and a healthier environment.

The result of Cara Plastics’ core technology is a family of proprietary materials, proven commercially viable and resulting in cost effective polymeric materials suitable for composite and other applications. Cara Plastics is pursuing this technology with a number of partners and will be expanding its efforts into various markets.

Cara Plastics' soybean-based resins offer several advantages over current thermosetting resins:

  • Based on renewable resources vs typical petroleum-based resins
  • Can replace phenolic-based materials, which use environmentally objectionable formaldehydes
  • "Designer molecules" provide more versatility in addressing processing or end-use requirements
  • Enhanced properties through bio-compatibility and optional biodegradability
  • Products are not tied to the economics and supply dynamics of petroleum markets