Product Brochure
“Columbia Forest Products has finally
cracked how a mussel adheres underwater
and created a very good resin that is urea
formaldehyde-free. This is exciting.”
Janine Benyus, Author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired
by Nature, Greenbuild 2005 Conference
Nature-Inspired Design
Rooted in Biomimicry.
How PureBond works.
As the Pacific Ocean swirled
around him, a question rushed into
Dr. Kaichang Li’s head: how do
mussels keep their grip on rocks that
are constantly pounded by waves?
Dr. Li, a professor at Oregon State
University’s College of Forestry, found
that mussels secrete proteins known
as byssal threads, which provide
superior strength and extraordinary
flexibility. His curiosity led to
groundbreaking research–funded by
Columbia Forest Products and others–based in the
principles of biomimicry, which studies nature and then
imitates its designs and processes to solve human problems.
Li discovered that soy proteins can be modified to
perform similarly to byssal threads. And not only did
they deliver phenomenal adhesion, they also oered
exceptional water resistance.
This breakthrough led to PureBond, proving that enhanced
environmental quality and increased product performance
can go hand in hand.
That’s why we call PureBond a breath of fresh thinking.
Kaichang Li, Ph.D.