Cellulose filaments (CF) are derived from wood that has been processed mechanically through thermomechanical pulping. The very thin filaments are extracted using a mechanical process that requires no chemicals or enzymes. It is extremely strong, flexible and light, and has a unique bonding capacity that makes it an exceptional reinforcement additive.
Cellulose filaments have the potential to radically transform Canada’s forest sector by revolutionizing the properties of pulp and associated products.
In addition to the immediate opportunities for CF to improve existing pulp, paper and packaging products, CF have great potential for use in new products including bioplastics, adhesives, as well as paints and other coatings.
The process for extracting CF from wood pulp fibre was developed by FPInnovations, which piloted the use of the material in pre-commercial applications at its Pointe-Claire, Quebec, facilities. Based on the success of this pilot, and with the funding provided by Natural Resources Canada in partnership with Investissement Quebec and Quebec’s ministère des Ressources naturelles, a world-first CF production and demonstration plant that can be scaled up to commercial levels will be built at Kruger’s pulp mill in Trois-Rivières.
Natural Resources Canada has invested $15 million in the facility in Trois-Rivières, which complements earlier federal investments in research and development undertaken by FPInnovations.
For more information, visit the CFS site.
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