La demande croissante de matériaux écologiques et abondants a fait du biochar un agent de renfort très recherché dans les applications automobiles. Le biochar possède des propriétés uniques, telles qu’une structure poreuse, une grande surface spécifique, une haute stabilité thermique, une bonne conductivité, une source de matière première renouvelable et abondante, ainsi qu’une durabilité environnementale. […]

The proposed research focuses on the development of biocarbon materials from waste spent clay and soapstocks from vegetable oil processing. The biocarbon will be used as the filler in developing rubber composite material as a potential substitution for carbon black produced from petroleum sources. The intern will work with the team of graduate students and […]

This project focuses on developing a sustainable, bio-based, water-resistant coating designed to replace traditional plastic laminations used in paper-based packaging. Plastic-coated paper products, while offering essential barrier properties, are not recyclable and contribute to landfill waste, microplastic pollution, and increased carbon emissions. Our innovative coating, derived from shellac resin, is fully recyclable, compostable, and FDA-approved […]

The project has five steps: 1. Identification of the microbiota associated with the rhizosphere of five economically important crops in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador; 2. Isolate and select micro-organism strains that are likely to contribute efficiently to the development of the crops; 3. Using field trials, determine the efficiency of the selected micro-orgranisms; 4. […]

This innovation project aims to help mitigate pressing global problems including; resource and waste management, global warming, deforestation, pollution, and energy shortages. At present there is a huge and growing global demand for high-value carbon-based products such as biochar, activated carbon, and carbon electrodes. These products are commonly made from wood biomass, graphite, or other […]

Alaagi Inc. is developing an innovative seaweed-based bioplastic to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution caused by single-use petroleum-based plastics. This project focuses on refining the bioplastic prototype to improve its durability, flexibility, and biodegradability while ensuring it is cost-effective and scalable for mass production. Additionally, it aims to assess market readiness by engaging […]

Thermal bridging is a significant challenge in building design, increasing heat loss, raising energy demand, and reducing occupant comfort. As awareness of its impact grows, Canadian building standards are evolving to mandate more sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices. However, existing solutions for mitigating thermal bridging, particularly in balconies, are often ineffective, difficult to install, or […]

Molten salt-based thermal energy storage (TES) systems offer a promising way to store and manage heat efficiently, especially for industries that rely on stable high-temperature processes. However, these systems are still in development, and key challenges—such as heat loss, material durability, and long-term performance—must be addressed to ensure their reliability and cost-effectiveness. While some studies […]

The objective of this project is to create and improve metal-infused filaments for low-cost 3D printers by including recyclable elements. We combine recyclable and bio-based polymers with eco-friendly metal particles, including carbonyl nickel, to provide a durable and sustainable 3D printing material. During the first phase, we produce and test these metal/polymer filaments to ensure […]

Les géomembranes sont des barrières utilisées dans les sites miniers pour prévenir la contamination des sols et des eaux. Leur efficacité repose sur une installation sans défaut, mais des erreurs courantes (perforations, soudures défectueuses) compromettent souvent leur performance. Ce projet vise à identifier et prédire les facteurs influençant la qualité d’installation des géomembranes à l’aide […]

This project aims to conduct an in-depth market study on the formic acid and carbon credit markets to evaluate the commercial potential of a new class of electrocatalysts that convert CO2 into formic acid using renewable electricity and water. The intern will engage with key industry stakeholders to gather insights on market demand, pricing, and […]

Nature is experiencing an ever-changing world where dramatic environmental changes require species to adapt rapidly to new conditions. As a result, understanding when species can rapidly adapt and persist has become crucial to ensuring the preservation of vulnerable populations such as freshwater ecosystems. The current project addresses our limited understanding of the parallelism of adaptation […]