An application of lignin-based coating to structural natural fiber composites

A Canadian-based company, Terrasol Geosolar Inc., has identified a unique opportunity to offer hurricane-resistant solar energy infrastructure for weather-ravaged areas of the world. Towards this functionality, there has also been significant market incentives to include bio-derived composite materials within the structure. However, current developments of natural fibre reinforced composites (NFRCs) in structural applications has been limited by several factors, including the weak adhesion between the polymer matrices (often hydrophobic) and the natural fibres (hydrophilic). This joint research proposal via the MITACS internship program aims to investigate the use of lignin to improve the water-resistance of natural fibres reinforcing biobased polymers in the design of hurricane-resistant solar panels structures. The lignin compatibilization effect will be analyzed by adhesion forces measurement between polymer and coated fibres at nanoscale and microscale. The effect of the lignin coating on the mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of the samples will also be investigated.

Faculty Supervisor:

Abbas Sadeghzadeh Milani

Student:

Partner:

Université Grenoble Alpes

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: