Improving the Properties of Biopolymers through Chemical Functionalization; Adding Value to an Industrial Side Product for Cascades

This project, in partnership with Cascades, will develop novel functional materials prepared from a biopolymer generated at Cascades. The development of these novel materials and composites will help to fine-tune the properties of the final paper sheet produced at Cascades and access high performance materials for many of their core business activities. The new polymer additives will also be crucial for the valorization of industrial side-products and will lead to a new generation of biopolymers for the paper industry. Overall, the proposed research will be highly beneficial to various areas of application through development of innovative advanced biomaterials and will have broad and significant impact for Cascades and the scientific community through the advancement of current knowledge. This research will significantly influence the commercial direction of the paper industry and will have an even broader impact on the general population through increased environmental consideration.

Faculty Supervisor:

Simon Rondeau-Gagné

Student:

Partner:

Cascades Services et Achats

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Advanced Manufacturing; Forestry; Natural Resources

University:

University of Windsor

Program: