Development of a polypropylene (PP) and a nylon (PA) cellulose filament (CF) nanocomposite

Cellulose filaments (CF) can be easily derived from natural products. Their addition to polymer resins can result in an improvement of the mechanical properties of the material. However, its good properties depend on a proper dispersion of the CF within the polymer and a strong interfacial adhesion between the CF and the polymer matrix. In the case of most thermoplastics, obtaining a proper dispersion still remains a challenge and to do so, a right combination of additive still needs to be chosen. In 2013, FP Innovation and Kruger formed
an alliance to design a 5T/day CF plant and develop new CF applications. The success of their technology enabled Kruger to reach to a 6000T/year production in 2015. They recently carried out a market study which showed that polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA) CF nanocomposites could be interesting for automotive industries. The project aims therefore at developing composites with nano-metric dispersion of CF within polypropylene and polyamide.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nicole Demarquette

Student:

Partner:

Kruger Inc (Montreal, QC)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

École de technologie supérieure

Program: