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Nano-Cellulose Fibers: Renewable Reinforcements for Plastics

From: Plastics Technology
Issue: February 2012

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is a renewable reinforcing fiber material derived from wood or other biomass. Pulp material is milled and then hydrolyzed to remove amorphous content. The resulting NCC is separated and concentrated into uniform, natural nano-particles averaging 100 nm long x 5 mm diam. NCC has been incorporated in PE, PP, and biopolymers (PLA and PHA), where it enhances mechanical and barrier properties, as well as abrasion resistance. NCC is envisioned as improving prospects for bioplastics in interior and structural automotive parts, as well as barrier packaging.

This new material was developed by CelluForce in Montreal, a joint venture of FPInnovations and Domtar, Inc. CelluForce has just completed the first plant to make NCC, capable of 1 ton/day. CelluForce will present information on NCC at the BioPlastek 2012 Forum, sponsored by Schotland Business Research, March 28-30 in Arlington, Va. To register, visit bioplastek.com.
(514) 360-1023 • celluforce.com