Rheology and processing of biopolymers and their composites

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The main objective of this proposal is to develop novel, sustainable, environmentally-friendly, biopolymers by combining biopolymers with natural fibers (hemp and flax) and nanoparticles such as natural clays for applications mainly in packaging, construction and automotive industries. These biodegradable polymers of controlled microstructure can be derived from a variety of renewable materials. The main focus will be on polylactic acid (PLA) polymers which can be produced naturally from starch in corn, wheat and potatoes. There is a large number of commercially available biopolymer and the demand is expected to rise nearly 20% through 2010. Various types of naturally derived PLAs will be studied derived from various renewable resources. In addition their performance will be compared with chemically synthesized PLAs (collaboration with the department of chemistry at UBC). Starches are used as fillers in the paper making industry and are massively produced and thus readily available in Canada.