Development of a new generation of green and smart paper straps

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The proposed research will be undertaken by Dr. Yonghao Ni and his team at the Limerick Pulp and Paper Centre located at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), in partnership with OVAL International. The Canadian pulp and paper industry faces strong international competition. Development of high-value cellulose-based products will help Canadian pulp and paper companies to extract more value from forest resources and remain competitive in the international market. In this research, the overall goal is to develop cellulose fiber-based packaging products (paper straps) that can replace similar traditional non-recyclable/non-biodegradable products, e.g., metal wires and plastic straps. The world's demand for eco-friendly and cellulose fiber-based products fits well with this industry need. The results from the proposed project will be beneficial not only to OVAL International, but to other Canadian packaging companies, and Canadian market pulp producers as well. The proposed novel product will use nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC) and nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC), which are derived from forest resources. Canada is emerging as a leader for both products. Therefore, the proposed research will allow the diversification of markets both in Canada and around the world, creating new demands for forest products themselves and economic opportunities for forest-product communities and forest product companies. Deliverables include: 1) Determination of the interactions of PVOH and pH-responsive polymers such as polyacrylic acid (PAA) and their effects on the water resistance of the paper strap coating; 2) Development of smart pH-responsive PVOH/PAA technology that can meet the high-moisture environmental demands of the paper strap manufacturing industry (for strapping market pulp bales containing up to 20% moisture); 3) Development of vitrimer-based technology to sustain the required heat sealability for wet pulp with up to 20% moisture content.