Reinforcing effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals on Polyamide-6 polymeric nano-composite films and electrospun composite nano-fiber yarns

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Forest products industry is closely affected from the economic conditions and the markets. Consequently, new markets that seek innovative products and high value added novel materials are crucial for the future of forest sector in Canada. Among these products, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) are attracting increasing attention due to the potential commercial interests from various industries. FP Innovation has taken a lead role in Canada in supporting the exploration of applications for CNC in order to enhance their support of the forestry sector. CNC are highly crystalline rod-like particles that are very attractive as reinforcing agents in nano-composites due to desirable properties, such as high strength and stiffness and relatively low density. Canada is the global leader in the production of the CNC material; therefore, it is strategically important to develop an improved understanding of the reinforcing potential of CNC and use that knowledge to develop new nano-composite materials. This will provide pathways to commercial applications in Canada and around the world for this naturally abundant material. For this purpose, this proposal aims in investigating addition of CNC into one of the most commonly used polymers in the world, Nylon 6. This polymer is used to produce fibers and engineering materials such as polymeric films; however, incorporation of CNC into Nylon 6 has not been well investigated and documented in the literature. During this project, the researchers will incorporate different amounts of CNC into polymeric films and fibers. The findings will be used to generate design curves for engineers around the world to promote large scale use of CNC in Nylon 6 applications. This project is supported by FPInnovations as the industrial partner. Additionally, along with this proposal, Dr. Ayranci and his collaborator, Dr. Cranston (McMaster), are also applying to the Alberta-Ontario Innovation Program (AOIP) for extra funding. AOIP is formed between Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, Ontario Centres of Excellence, government of AB and ON, and NSERC.