Dr Bernhard Seidl
Team Lead, Agrana Research and Innovation Center GmbH
Dr. Bernhard Seidl studied Technical Chemistry at the Vienna University of Technology and received his PhD in 2006 from the Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, focusing on macromolecular chemistry and the development of novel photoinitiator systems. Since 2007, he has been working at AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH (ARIC), where he leads the Paper and Adhesives working group within the Starch Non Food department. His work centers on the development of starch based products for the paper, corrugated board, and adhesive industries. Dr. Seidl has authored several scientific publications and patents in this field and has a strong interest in advanced analytical methods, including SEC MALLS for molar mass distribution, scanning electron microscopy, and rheological characterization.
Extrusion of Biopolymers: A Platform Technology for Bio-based Adhesives
Extrusion is a well established and scalable processing technology that offers significant opportunities for the modification and functionalization of biopolymers such as starch and proteins. By combining heat, shear, and pressure in a continuous process, extrusion enables fundamental transformations including starch gelatinization, protein denaturation, and the development of thermoplastic material behavior. These effects can be tailored through formulation and processing parameters, making extrusion a flexible tool for designing bio based materials with targeted properties.
Beyond physical processing, reactive extrusion extends the functionality of starches and proteins by enabling chemical reactions directly within the extruder. Reactions such as crosslinking, grafting, or esterification can be achieved under largely solvent free conditions, allowing molecular structure and functionality to be adjusted in a single, efficient processing step. This approach reduces processing complexity and energy demand while facilitating the development of value added biopolymer systems.
In adhesive applications, extruded and reactively modified starch and protein based materials present promising alternatives to conventional fossil based binders. Their rheological behavior, bonding performance, and resistance properties can be tuned to meet the requirements of paper, packaging, and wood based products. This contribution highlights extrusion and reactive extrusion as key enabling technologies for advancing sustainable, bio based adhesive solutions and for supporting the transition toward renewable materials in industrial applications.
Co-authors:
Ralf Gericke
Breakout Session XI – Research Advances in Adhesive Science & Processing – 17 September 2026 – 17:30 – 18:00 – Room Churchill – GF