Post on 22-Aug-2020
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