Non-wood fibrillated cellulose composites

The aim of the proposed research is to develop renewable textiles from agricultural residues. The project will use an alternative process, proposed by Earth Protex, for converting primarily wheat straw into a wood pulp like material while minimizing the losses during the process. The pulp will undergo further chemical treatment under mild conditions before being sheared into smaller fibrils, referred to as fibrillated cellulose. The fibrillated cellulose will then be reassembled into filaments which can be spun into yarns to produce renewable and sustainable textile alternatives to cotton and polyester, which both come with significant environmental challenges. Wheat straw is an ample residue in the Canadian Prairies and the development and eventual commercialization of the proposed technologies can bring economical, social and environmental benefits to local communities, as well as environmental benefits across Canada and the globe by contributing to a transition towards sustainable textiles and clothing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Orlando Rojas

Student:

Partner:

Earth Protex

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: