NSERC Forest Sector R&D Initiative –
Priority Research Elements

Descriptions

Energy and Chemicals from Forest Biomass
Integrated Value Maximization
Next Generation Building Solutions
Next Generation Pulps and Papers
Novel Bioproducts from Forest Biomass

Return to NSERC Forest Sector R&D Initiative Program Description

Energy and Chemicals from Forest Biomass

This research element will focus on the cost effective harvesting of biomass, application of thermo/chemical technologies in both the wood and pulp and paper sectors to offset fossil fuel use, and the development of new product streams such as fuels, chemical intermediates and materials. Other thrusts will involve advancing fermentation and extraction technologies to process residues in effluents and pulping liquors such as hemicelluloses, short cellulose fibre and lignin.

An emerging concept commonly referred to as a "forest biorefinery" will be explored by linking existing technological advances to further develop this research work. On the strength of these advances, opportunities will avail to expand product opportunities to build on the existing harvesting and manufacturing value chains in the Canadian forest sector. It will also provide opportunities to offset current fossil fuel usage and change the sector to a net contributor of energy, as well as potentially providing fibre for industrial manufacture of composites.

Contacts:

Tom Browne
FPInnovations
570 St-Jean Blvd
Pointe-Claire, QC J9R 3J9
Tel.: 514-630-4104
E-mail: tom.browne@fpinnovations.ca

Claire McAneney
NSERC
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
Tel.: 613-995-9431
Fax: 613-992-5337
E-mail: claire.mcaneney@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Integrated Value Maximization

The overall goal of this research is to optimize the value chain across each of the links, from resource to market. A greater overall value and margin is expected as compared to that derived from the optimization of independent links in the chain. This can be achieved through the optimal utilization of the available attributes of our resource and by directing the needed fibre to the right processing facility, at the right time and in the right form to manufacture a product that fetches a premium on the market. Matching specific attributes of Canada's diverse fibre base to new product and market opportunities will result in net long-term value chain maximization for future forest sector value streams.

The underpinning research to support this objective is the development of the knowledge, models and tools required to help the sector think and manage the value chain from forest to market in an integrated manner. This transformation is a paradigm shift in which the market is the driver and every element in the chain can contribute to the total value.

Contacts:

Denis Ouellet
Acting Director, Canadian Wood Fiber Center
Centre de foresteries des Laurentides
1055, rue du Peps
C.P. 10380
Succ. Sainte-Foy QC  G1V 4C7
Tel.: 418-648-5833
E-mail: denis.ouellet@nrcan.gc.ca

Peter Lister
FPInnovations
2601 East Mall
Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4
Tel.: 604-228-1555 ext. 209
E-mail: peter.lister@fpinnovations.ca

Driss Haboudane
NSERC
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
Tel.: 613-996-5879
Fax: 613-992-5337
E-mail: driss.haboudane@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Next Generation Building Solutions

This research element will develop Canadian capabilities in the creation and commercialization of the next generation of wood-based products and building systems through the application of novel technologies. Integration of emerging wood-based products in building systems will be carried out in collaboration with industry and the design and construction community. This all supports diversification into new markets. More specifically, innovative design ideas will be developed which will use existing and developing wood-based products in building systems which satisfy conflicting demands in fire, acoustic, structural and durability performance. This element will also include developing ideas for future wood-biopolymer based composite materials. New concepts in life cycle analyses and environmental impact assessments will be incorporated into the overall program to provide technical data to demonstrate the superior environmental qualities of wood.

Contacts:

Erol Karacebeyli
FPInnovations
2665 East Mall
Vancouver BC V6T 1W5
Tel.: 604-222-5645
E-Mail : erol.karacebeyli@fpinnovations.ca

Shaheer Mikhail
NSERC
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
Tel.: 613-995-5710
Fax: 613-992-5337
E-mail: shaheer.mikhail@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Next Generation Pulps and Papers

The research element will focus on the development of profitable, specialty pulp and paper grades which combine the unique attributes of Canadian fibre with new manufacturing technologies. More specifically, the development of fine papers with high filler content, which combines the use of softwood chemical pulps made in Canada with proprietary technology, will provide a platform to compete with tropical, short-rotation species. As well, there is a need for the development of mechanical pulps and paper grades from Canadian species which are globally cost-competitive and provide attributes valued by papermakers. Some research focus will also be devoted to the development of new pulping processes using advanced or "green" chemistry solutions, e.g., pre-treatment of wood chips, bleaching and effluent treatment.

Contacts:

Jean Hamel
FPInnovations
570 St-Jean Blvd
Pointe-Claire QC J9R 3J9
Tel.: 514-630-4113
E-mail: jean.hamel@fpinnovations.ca

Wendy Ryan
NSERC
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
Tel.: 613-996-9253
Fax: 613-992-5337
E-mail: wendy.ryan@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Novel Bioproducts from Forest Biomass

This research element focuses on the conversion of wood into new, cellulosic- based materials which can be directed to emerging profitable niche markets. More specifically, the focus will be on the development of nanocrystallinecellulose and identifying potential applications. Current ideas are largely speculative but could cover broad applications in advanced coatings, chiral catalysts and structures, biopolymers, optical solutions, coloured and barrier films, paper fillers, performance reinforcements and intelligent papers with sensors. This research will involve "green" chemistry for the benign extraction and purification of target molecular structures. The initiative will also focus on the application of new nano-materials to the current manufacturing process in pulp and paper and wood products.

Contacts:

Richard Berry
FPInnovations
570 St-Jean Blvd
Pointe-Claire QC J9R 3J9
Tel.: 514-630-4131
E-mail: richard.berry@fpinnovations.ca

Robert Therrien
NSERC
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
Tel.: 613-996-5924
Fax: 613-992-5337
E-mail: robert.therrien@nserc-crsng.gc.ca