SuReComp
Project summary
The project aims to develop innovative two-component thermosetting polymer resins based on sustainably sourced carboxylic acids and to design high-performance composite materials reinforced with natural fiber fabrics. By utilizing bio-based resins derived from renewable resources, the goal is to achieve up to 80 % renewable content in the final material composition, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-derived polymers. This development will contribute significantly to the advancement of environmentally friendly materials with potential applications across multiple sectors, including automotive, construction, and beyond. The project supports the broader transition toward renewable resource-based materials, fostering the emergence of next-generation bio-composites.
Call: Specific Objective 1.1.1 “Strengthening of Research and Innovation Capacities and Introduction of Advanced Technologies in the Common R&D System” of the European Union's Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021-2027.
Activity: 1.1.1.9 “Post-doctoral Research”
Total eligible costs of the project: 184 140 EUR, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund in amount of 85 % – 156 519 EUR.
Project duration: 36 months.
Project partners:
- Leading partner/coordinator: Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry.
- Cooperation partner: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic
- Cooperation partner: Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Cooperation partner: Universidad de Las Palmas, Spain
Place of implementation: Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
Project implementation progress
30.12.2025.
Project progress report for the period of 01.07.2025. - 31.12.2025.
During the reporting period, the scientific activities of the project were initiated and successfully implemented, with a focus on the utilization of sustainably sourced raw materials for the development of components applicable in Michael reactions.
Within the framework of the project, the synthesis of precursors for Michael components was carried out. Polyols were synthesized from tall oil using various difunctional alcohols (1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol), as well as a higher-functionality alcohol, glycerol. In parallel, succinic acid–based polyols were synthesized using 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and glycerol. Particular attention was paid to the synthesis of a high-molecular-weight succinic acid–1,5-pentanediol polyol by varying the molar ratios of the reactants.
The synthesis and in-depth investigation of succinic acid–based polyols were performed during an international research mobility period at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (13.10.2025–26.10.2025). During the mobility, a method for the synthesis of high-molecular-weight succinic acid polyols was developed, polyols with different molecular weights were synthesized, their characterization was carried out, and MALDI-TOF data were obtained.
Based on the synthesized polyols, the preparation of components applicable in Michael reactions was conducted. Acetoacetates (Michael donors) were synthesized from all obtained polyols via transesterification reactions with tert-butyl acetoacetate. The resulting compounds were characterized in accordance with the work plan using FTIR, NMR, MALDI-TOF, and GPC, and their viscosities were determined. In addition, initial experiments on the acrylation of tall oil–based polyols were performed to obtain acrylates as potential Michael acceptors.
Within the framework of dissemination and public outreach activities, participation in science communication and public engagement events was ensured. On 26 September 2025, the project was presented during Researchers’ Night 2025, informing the public about the project topic (Facebook post). Furthermore, the project results were presented at the international scientific conference Baltic Polymer Symposium 2025, held from 30 September to 4 October 2025.
