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Tough bio-derived and biodegradable wood plastic composites (2017-2021)

Abstract

This project pioneers the development of tough bio-based and biodegradable wood plastic composites (WPCs), directly addressing a key end-user demand: performance of bio-WPCs must be at least comparable with existing commercial WPCs. The key innovations are (i) developing a new high performance, biobased and biodegradable WPC by incorporating native spinifex-derived nanocellulose fibres, and (ii) ensuring excellent, molecular-level dispersion with a novel low-cost and energy-efficient wet-mix technology. The project is significant as it will lead to new products and markets for the globally challenged Australian forestry industry and for rural and indigenous Australia, maximising Australia¿s competitive advantage in biomass-derived product.

Experts

Professor Steven Pratt

Centre Director of ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Steven Pratt
Steven Pratt

Professor Darren Martin

Affiliate of ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformati
ARC COE for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Darren Martin
Darren Martin

Professor Bronwyn Laycock

Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
Centre for Marine Science
Faculty of Science
Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Bronwyn Laycock
Bronwyn Laycock

Dr Nasim Amiralian

Senior Research Fellow
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
Nasim Amiralian
Nasim Amiralian

Professor Paul Lant

Affiliate of ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Parenting and Family Support Centre
Parenting and Family Support Centre
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
Centre for Marine Science
Faculty of Science
Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Paul Lant
Paul Lant