Introduction to Farnesene-Based Polyols for Adhesives and Sealants Formulation

Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) resins are known to have a higher viscosity than polyether polyols of the same molecular weight. A new hydrophobic polyol derived from renewable resources, namely polyfarnesene diol, has been developed having lower viscosity than the HTPBs of the same molecular weight.

Trans-b-farnesene* was used in the present study for the anionic processes (farnesol and other oxygenated byproducts removed). Trans-b-farnesene is produced in small quantities in natural processes, but typically both a- and b-isomers are present. The supplier has modified the common yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to efficiently produce large amounts of trans-b- farnesene. Sugar is fermented to the target molecule in a manufacturing-ready strain that used 21 enzymatic steps in a native pathway. Only the b-isomer is active in polymerization, making this fermentation route especially attractive industrially.¹