Valuing cellulose filaments in innovative, sustainable, and renewable bioproducts

Cellulose filaments (CF) are a new biomaterial generated by an innovative process discovered in Canada using wood pulp without further application of chemicals or enzymes and powered almost entirely by renewable energy. CF are versatile and have the potential to increase the strength, durability, and functionalities of several products, not all of which have been studied. This project aims to develop new CF applications in a range of bioproducts used in the agriculture, hygiene and health, and construction sectors while considering the economic aspects of the Canadian and US markets and the environmental impact of these products. CF can be used as renewable and sustainable agricultural inputs such as microgreens substrate, biodegradable pots, and mulch films among others for local food production, contributing to food security and the growth of food self-sufficiency in Quebec. CF can also improve the antimicrobial functionality of several tissue paper grades used for healthcare and hygienic products and biodegradable masks among others. The high specific surface of CF is expected to increase the retention of antibacterial and antivirals and provide improved antimicrobial action for papers. For masks, cellulose is one of the most promising materials that can be used to replace petroleum-based synthetic fibers because, in addition to being abundant, biodegradable, inexpensive, and easy to process, it gives to the masks desired properties both in terms of filtration efficiency against harmful particles and air permeability to facilitate breathing through the multi-layers of the mask. This topic will join initiatives taken by Kruger to produce a prototype of a low-cost biodegradable disposable in response to COVID-19. However, the antimicrobial technologies developed in the project are also expected to provide effective and affordable solutions for a range of paper products of Kruger to meet the growing and long-term demand for healthcare and hygienic products. In construction, CF can help meet sustainability and resilience requirements in infrastructure systems, providing engineering cement-based products with improved durability and superior mechanical performance. As concrete is by far the most utilized construction material in the world, increasing its durability by adding CF can be quite beneficial in reducing the high carbon footprint of the cement industry and construction activities as a whole. Life cycle assessments for all CF bioproducts will be carried out to develop cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solutions to obtain competitive products with a low-carbon footprint. Overall, research outcomes will allow the adaptation of pulp and paper and CF manufacturing processes for specific purposes and the technology transfer of new CF bioproducts to the market while contributing to the diversity of the Canadian forest industry, promoting cleaner technologies for the future and economic growth in Canada, especially in Quebec.