Sugar (sucrose) extracted from sugarcane juice is the main ingredient in new liquid epoxies that can bind wood, metal, glass, concrete, and other materials, U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists and collaborators report. The advance may open a new industrial outlet for the sweetener in the form of base coats, primers, or adhesives for composite materials like particle boarding or FRP boat hulls. 

"It's an example of science finding a surprising new use for a common, everyday agricultural commodity," said Floyd P. Horn, administrator for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the USDA agency carrying out the project. More than 3 million tons of American cane sugar is produced annually, but less than 2% is used for non-food purposes, such as fermentation. As a food product, cane sugar has to compete with artificial and low-calorie sweeteners. 

"Once these epoxies set, they become clear glassy or rubbery materials, depending on the type used." 

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