A solution to the emerging challenges of advanced composites
MICHELIN ResiCare, a brand of the Michelin Group, announces the commercial launch of Resi4 CARBON/CARBON and Resi4 ABLATION, two innovative araminolic resins that are formaldehyde-free and bio-based—100% and 90% respectively¹. Primarily formulated from 5-HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural), a bio-sourced and non-toxic molecule². These new solutions provide a safer alternative to traditional phenolic resins. Available and compatible with industrial-scale production starting in September 2026, these thermosetting resins are designed for the most demanding composite applications, including aerospace, defense, aeronautics, and automotive industries.

Thermal performance and regulatory compliance
These new resins meet the growing demand from composite manufacturers seeking high thermal performance, strict compliance with European regulations (including REACH and Directive 2004/37/EC), and a reduction in their environmental footprint.They are also part of a fully European sourcing approach, from raw materials to the finished polymer, helping to secure the supply chains of strategic industrial sectors.

Innovative araminolic chemistry
Developed from innovative araminolic chemistry, these resins replace formaldehyde with aromatic aldehydes and bio-based polyphenols, while maintaining the required levels of thermal performance for advanced composites.
This approach enables manufacturers to anticipate regulatory changes while ensuring the robustness and reliability of materials exposed to harsh environments.

Resi4 CARBON/CARBON: Designed for high-temperature composites
Resi4 CARBON/CARBON is aimed at CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composites), where it delivers high thermal performance without formaldehyde. It stands out as an ideal solution for high-performance applications such as space propulsion, nuclear energy, advanced civil engineering, and motorsports, where thermal stability and material reliability are critical.

Resi4 ABLATION: Optimized for extreme environments
Also formulated without formaldehyde, Resi4 ABLATION is distinguished by its particularly high charring rate, meeting the strictest specifications for ablation and thermal resistance. It targets applications exposed to extreme thermal flux, where the stability of the char layer determines the performance and safety of systems, especially in the space and defense sectors.

An industrial alternative available in 2026
With these two new resins, MICHELIN ResiCare offers composite industry players solutions that are immediately available for testing and industrially operational by September 2026, simultaneously meeting requirements for thermal performance, environmental durability, regulatory compliance, and operator safety, without compromising market demands.

(1) Upon availability of ResiCare’s sugar-based monomers industrial demonstrators in 2027. Two of our first main industrial monomers
demonstrators are based in France. The bio-based content is based on ISO 16620 guidelines based on internal data.
(2) Not meeting SVHC criteria (Substance of Very High Concern) as defined by European Chemicals Agency in date of 01/01/2026.