In parallel with my explorations using sodium alginate, I have been conducting a series of material tests with pine resinas a natural binder.
My primary objective has been to identify a viable alternative to conventional chemical epoxies, which are widely used for casting and coating but are environmentally harmful and
non-recyclable. Pine resin, by contrast, is a bio-based polymer with intrinsically adhesive properties, offering a promising pathway toward more sustainable binding systems.

Throughout my experiments, I have found pine resin particularly interesting because of its thermoplastic behaviour: it can be cast, melted, and re-melted multiple times without significant degradation of its structural integrity.
This characteristic makes it suitable for circular production models and low-waste fabrication workflows. Additionally, the visual qualities of the material, especially its warm natural transparency and its capacity to diffuse light, suggest strong potential for applications in design and architecture.

From a functional perspective, pine resin shows good levels of water resistance, forming hydrophobic surfaces once cured. However, the material remains sensitive to elevated temperatures; it begins to soften and eventually melt when exposed to heat. This limitation is central to my ongoing research, as I am exploring possible stabilisation methods and combinations with other bio-polymers or natural fibres to enhance its thermal resistance without compromising recyclability.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue developing this line of research with the intention of producing translucent structural or semi-structural panels. Such panels could be used in interior applications, lighting design, or temporary installations, where biodegradability, reusability, and material expressiveness are key values.