L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / Optimizing Recycling of Polyamide 6- Upcycling with Polymer-polymer composite,

Polyamide (PA), particularly PA6 and PA66, is a vital engineering polymer used in automotive, aerospace, electrical, and textile industries because of its strength, heat resistance, and durability. However, most commercial grades are petroleum-based, energy-intensive, and difficult to recycle due to strong hydrogen bonding and high melting temperatures. In Canada, the recycling and upcycling of polyamide remain extremely limited: post-industrial and post-consumer waste is often downcycled or exported, leading to the loss of valuable materials and a higher environmental footprint.

The Canadian PA6 market reached USD 473.9 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 745.9 million by 2030 (CAGR 6.7 %). Yet the recycled segment remains small, though it could expand by ~9 % annually between 20262033. In Québec, several SMEs process PA6 and PA66 components for transportation and aerospace sectors, generating up to 10 % post-industrial scrap that is rarely recovered. Despite having 25 plastic recyclers listed by RECYC-Québec, none currently process polyamidesraising the question of what happens to this valuable waste stream. Successful polyamide recyclers abroad prove that the opportunity is both technically and economically viable.

This project aims to address this gap through a twofold innovation. First, it will develop reactive additives to restore molecular weight, melt strength, and mechanical integrity during PA6/PA66 recycling, enabling recycled grades that rival virgin resins. Second, it will create a lightweight polyamide-based composite to replace PAglass-fiber systems in automotive and aerospace applications, offering comparable strength, higher impact resistance, and lower density for improved fuel efficiency.

Fully recyclable and aligned with circular-economy goals, this initiative will transform Québecs untapped polyamide waste into high-value, sustainable materials, strengthening Canadas polymer innovation ecosystem and creating new industrial and investment opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Martin Grenon

Student:

Partner:

V1 Studio

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Université Laval

Program: