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Paper Scaffolding Provides Eco-Friendly Construction, Packaging

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The University of British Columbia (Canada) recently put together a team of researchers who successfully created a solvent-free and low-cost process to produce a low-density cellular foam "scaffold" by using green fibers. The porosity and mechanical properties of the foam can be easily adjusted, depending on requirements. This lightweight foam is 100% natural, biodegradable, and carbon-neutral, and it is suitable for a wide range of applications from construction to use in the biomedical industry.
 
 

The impact includes:
  • In addition to not using solvent, the production process uses significantly less water than traditional foam-forming methods
  • Moves many foam industries towards a greener, renewable alternative product
  • Reduces the cost of transport and recycling process for foam producers
  • Moves construction industry and building towards LEED certification
  • Highly antimicrobial, making it great for any food packaging. 
Other potential applications include:
  • Hospital air filtration systems or clean rooms
  • Sound-absorent walls or acoustics for recording rooms
  • Thermally insulated (hot or cold) packaging for long-distance transport
  • Water filtration
  • Enviornmental bioremediation.
For more information email James Olson, the principal investigator for this new product at the University of British Columbia.
 

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