Bio-Composite Material Development, Processing, Research & Analysis

Fibre Product Development and Assessment

Our focus in these facilities is the processing of various agricultural and wood-based bio-fibre materials and the production of materials like pulps and nano cellulose using various chemical and mechanical operations.   

We conduct research on the physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the materials and the produced products, and evaluate the client’s current manufacturing processes to determine inefficiencies, develop/validate/improve and optimize the process.  We routinely advise on the configurations of machinery, tools, or parts, and make recommendations for substitutions with bio-materials and scale-up possibilities. 

Bio-Composite Material Development

We routinely formulate the processes and develop novel, eco-friendly bioproducts using renewable, sustainable materials including biopolymers, biofibres, bioresins, biocomposites, bio-based coatings, bio-based nanocomposites, natural fibres, nanocellulose, lignin, bio-based corrosion inhibitor/protection, adhesives, rubber, carbon fibres, self-healing/shape memory/smart materials, plastic film, packaging, green release agents, fire retardants, and recycled materials. These bio-materials form part of the circular economy for a variety of applications and industries with more sustainable products and packaging. 

We also offer treatment, and modification of various biomaterials and the evaluation/analysis of the physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of these materials. 

Engineered Composites Development & Assessment

The Engineered Composites Service area has a variety of expertise and equipment focused on assessing alternative materials and configurations used in the production of engineered composite products/panels (ie. Strand-based board, Fibre-base board, laminated products, and oriented split straw board) under full scale process conditions. With unique infrastructure like an automated OSB forming line and a 4×8-ft press with steam injection, we can produce materials and validate post-production properties with standard methods.   

Forestry Mill Process Support

Our team works with industry to assist with the integration of artificial intelligence supported, vision, and data acquisition systems into industrial operations.  The purpose of this integration is to inform process control and production system and positively impact output and efficiency at mills.  We also provide process simulations through software applications and provide standard industry testing that measures material and product properties.