Global overview of bio-nano composite technology

Mohini SainDirector of Centre for Biocomposites

and Biomaterials Processing

University of Toronto

OECD Nanocellulose Workshop, July 16th, 2009

1.Nano-entity Isolation Processes

2.State-of –Art Manufacturing and Challenges

3.Commercialization

4.Applications

Outlines

Cellulose Nano-entity Isolation Process

Nano-crystal/ Whiskers

Nano-fibres Isolation Process

Micro and (Nano)-fibre productionBleached

pulp

(i) Pulp

disintegrator

(ii) Refiner

(High shear)

(iii) Cryocrushing

(High impact)

(a) Water

suspension

(b)

Defibrilation

Liquid

N2

Filtered

(mesh size -60)

Mid 20th Century

Value of IP:

Energy and Chemical Reduction in

Isolation Process

Enzymatic Treatment: treated with enzyme which can also

effectively break down the amorphous regions of cellulose and

make them easy to separate into smaller sizes. Fibers

produced using this treatment proven to have higher aspect

ratio.

Three patents are now published (VTT, STFI and UofT)

Two of them are using off-the shelve Enzymes and the

other using Proprietary Microbial strain

“Cellulosic Nanocomposite: A Review” Hubbe et al (2008)

Commercial and Scale-up operation

Japan

Norway

Canada

Finland

Surface

Modification

Advantages of Surface Modification Improve fiber distribution and fiber-matrix

interfacial adhesion

Reduce the hydrophobic tendency of fiber

Adding new properties to materials

Surface energy = dispersive component + specific interactions

(London dispersion forces) (acid-base interactions)

0

is total work of adhesion

is work of adhesion due to dispersion forces

is Work of adhesion due to acid-base intercations

is work of a

a

dipoled aba a a adipole

adaabapolar

a

W W W W

W

W

W

W

W

dhesion due to polar interactions

Polymer (non/less-polar)

Nanofiber (polar)

OH OH OH OH OH

Adhesion

Bio-nanocomposites Manufacturing

Recent Advancement

Cellulose-based and All Cellulose Bio-

nanocomposites

Nano-composite

Manufacturing

@ CBBP, University of Toronto

@ CBBP, University of Toronto

Nanocellulose

Nanocomposite

@ CBBP, University of Toronto

Electro-spinning

Composites

Manufacturing Process

Research

Overview of Manufacturing

Processes & Applications

Novel Loose fibre Mat Technology

• Thermoforming

• Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)

• Sheet Molded Composite (SMC)

Short Reinforcing Fibre Technology

• Injection Molding

• Foaming

Opportunities for

Transportation Industry

• New green plastics composites (Optically Transparent).

• Early access of the industry and its suppliers to a high-performance cost-effective nano particle for reinforcing a wide range of composites

• Potential products:

– Structural components

– Exterior structural components, paints, coatings

– Vehicle interior components

– Glass replacement

• Development of product for markets outsied the automobile industry, e.g. recreational vehicles, aero-space industry

D - Powertrains

casing

A – Class A Paints

/Coating

Foamed Materials

C – Modulated Optical

Structure (window)

F- Intelligent

Systems & Sensors

E –Lightweight

Panel

B – Spinned

Fibre reinfor

Conclusions● Cellulosic nanofibers have unique

mechanical, optical, electrical and

chemical properties that can be

utilized in a variety of diverse

applications

● Successful and positive results have

been achieved through the efforts of

many dedicative research and studies

● However, the scaling-up and the long-

term durability of the nanocomposites

remain as a question.

Commercialization Barriers

• Lack of Investment in Scale up Process

• Lack of coordinated approach between OEMs and

Customers

• Difficulty in cost estimation due to lack of scale up

data

• Lack of product line growth due to “no supply” of

large quantity samples

• Overly concerned for a potential initial high price