Plant oil based resins for hemp biocomposite materials

Plant oils are attractive renewable feedstocks for the synthesis of biobased resins. However, the current bioresin technologies are unable to address certain challenges including (1) achieving a sufficiently high biocontent in the final product, (2) the synthesis of bioresins via green chemistry, and (3) a commercially feasible bioresin cost. In this research, the MITACS intern will, under laboratory conditions, make two novel, high biocontent resins that have been proposed for this work. The properties of these bioresins will be evaluated through the preparation of test biocomposite materials, in close collaboration with the company. This project will help the company to understand the potential of two bioresin types in their future planned manufacturing of composite materials.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jonathan Curtis

Student:

Vinay Patel

Partner:

ZILA Works

Discipline:

Food science

Sector:

Other

University:

University of Alberta