“Development of Biobased Resins for Industrial Use in Fibremat Based Composite Biomaterials” (2016-2019)
Supported by: Alberta Innovates BioSolutions’ Research and Innovation Program.
Summary: This is a collaborative stand-alone project between 2 University of Alberta groups – the Lipid Chemistry Group (LCG) and the Multifunctional Fibrous Composites Laboratory (MFCL) – along with the BioComposites Group Inc. (BCG), an Alberta business that operates the first plant in Alberta for producing fibre-mats from forestry and agricultural fibres. Together, these partners will develop biobased fibremat based composite materials that use lipid-based resins in place of petroleum based polymers.
“Flame retardant polyols from oilseed crops” (2016-2018)
Supported by: Alberta Innovates BioSolutions
Summary: In this project we will develop biobased fire retardants that are both less expensive and more environmentally friendly than many commercial petrochemical fire retardants. These developed fire retardants are expected to be phosphate containing lipid based additives that are both fire retardnts and polyols and hence contribute to the polymer network.
“A Multipurpose Pilot Scale Oleochemical Laboratory to Make Industrial Scale Samples for Testing and to Demonstrate Process Scale-Up for Plant Design” (2016-2017)
Supported by: Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund Ltd. (ACIDF)
Summary: The main goal of the project is to establish a pilot scale oleochemicals laboratory in Edmonton at AFDP as a part of the strategic development of an oleochemical industry in Alberta.
“Abrasion Resistant, Anti-Corrosion Pipeline Coatings from Nano Cellulose Reinforced Polyurethane” (2015-2016)
Supported by: Alberta Innovates BioSolutions
Summary: In a joint venture, the University of Alberta Lipid Chemistry Group and Alberta Innovates Technology Futures will scope and develop novel composite coating materials by combining biomass-derived nano cellulose with petrochemical- and plant oil-based polyurethanes. The new coating technologies will be tested for suitability in oil sands slurry pipes but bio-based polyurethane nanocomposite coatings with enhanced abrasion resistance and durability will benefit many applications..
“Development of Camelina Based Chemicals” (2014-2017)
Supported by: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada AgriInnovation Program (AIP) sub-project
Summary: The main goal of this project is to develop new biobased products and materials such as epoxides and epoxy resins, variety of polyols and polyuretheanes, other reactive intermediates using camelina oil.
“Canola Spray Foam Insulation” (2014-2015)
Supported by: Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC)
Summary: The goal is to develop a bio-polyol formulation incorporating environmentally friendly additives to replace the commercial petrochemical polyol formulation used in polyurethane (PU) spray foam applications, with a target of 50 percent bio-based content in the PU foam. This innovative spray foam insulation will play a key role in increasing building envelope performance by reducing infiltration heat loss, energy consumption and GHG emissions.Bio-based components derived from canola or other plant oils that have been developed by the Lipid Chemistry Group (LCG) at the University of Alberta will be used. This approach will enable more rapid progress into commercial bio-based spray foam production, and accelerate any future production plant development in Alberta. Additionally, a bio-based spray foam will substantially improve the energy efficiency of existing and new buildings in Alberta.
“Towards Commercialization: Technology Transfer, Process Optimization and Scale-Up for Industrial Pilot Plant Production of Liprol” (2012-2014)
Supported by: Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund Ltd. (ACIDF)
Summary: The project is a step towards the creation of a larger industry that transforms prairie oils into higher value chemicals, allowing diversification of markets for seed oils, likely with significantly better margins and price stability compared to biodiesel. The goal of the project is to make a new commercial biobased product with replacement of the petrochemical derived inputs with Canadian grown seed oil.