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.