What are some of the functional properties of industrial soy protein polymers?
A naturally strong adhesive straight from the bean, soy polymers are the substances that glue together paper cones around which textile manufacturers wrap fibers or yarns. This process highlights another important functional property: binding and adhesive strength. This strength is required in applications where heat resistance, rigidity and concentricity (dimensional stability) are imperative — necessary qualities for moist and hot setting processes. Another unique market for soy polymers is in water-based flexographic inks, capitalizing again on the products’ inherent heat resistance and “wettability” characteristics. No other product allows the flexo ink users the ability to print and keep ink integrity in the heat-intense environment of a corrugated box converting operation. “Wettability” describes the process of re-wetting the ink to remove it from the ink cylinder during printing. Adhesive characteristics are also a boon to lumber yards. The naturally derived substance allows ma
