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Waste cooking oils emerge as sustainable feedstock for alkyd resin production

A review highlights the potential of waste cooking oil as a renewable raw material for alkyd resin synthesis, offering eco-friendly solutions for high-performance coatings while addressing waste disposal concerns.

Waste cooking oil-based alkyd resins combine sustainability with competitive coating properties. Source: sommai - stock.adobe.com

The growing demand for sustainable materials has driven interest in renewable resources for polymer synthesis. Waste cooking oil (WCO), abundant and rich in triglycerides, is emerging as a promising alternative feedstock for alkyd resin production. This review explores advancements in using WCO for resin synthesis, including improvements in raw material processing, formulation development, and physicochemical properties of the resulting bio-based coatings.

WCO-derived alkyd resins demonstrate competitive drying behaviour, mechanical stability, and adhesion properties compared to conventional alkyds. However, limitations in oxidative resistance remain a challenge. The study also analyses the role of oil pretreatment, polyol selection, and reaction parameters in enhancing resin performance. Recent innovations aimed at improving the durability and quality of WCO-based alkyds position these materials as viable candidates for the coatings industry.


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Sustainable coatings with reduced environmental impact

By utilising waste cooking oil, this approach not only addresses disposal issues but also supports the transition to bio-based and environmentally friendly coating solutions. Continued research and development are expected to unlock further potential for WCO-derived alkyd resins, making them a sustainable choice for the future.

Source: Aksoy, P. P., & Aytac, A., Exploring waste cooking oils as renewable feedstock for alkyd resin production. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 23, pages 643–658 (2026).