NCell™ Microfiber Technology

GreenCore has a combination of licensed and in-house developed intellectual property, including exclusive worldwide licenses to IP developed at the University of Toronto.  Our combination of pending patents and know-how include: Process, Materials Selection, and Formulations.

Historically, several challenges have prevented manufacturers from producing high-performance injection moldable Lignocellulosic composites:

  • Controlling proper fiber form, morphology and aspect ratios
  • Achieving proper dispersion and compatibility due to hydrophilic nature of fibres
  • Utilizing cost effective and sustainable raw materials

Our NCell™ Microfiber Technology addresses these challenges.

Lignocellulosic Microfibers

Our technology is based on in-situ generation of Lignocellulosic Microfibers.  Such fibers have high aspect ratios and surface area, enabling improved composite mechanical properties.  We are able to produce such microfibers in a cost effective manner and from a variety of raw materials.

In addition, we have developed a proprietary process for carefully selecting and engineering our fiber material characteristics.

In parallel to generating such Microfibers, dispersion is a key challenge.  Our unique process allows us to effectively disperse the microfibers while maintaining proper morphology and properties.  This is due to a combination of mixing technology and chemical process aids.

Ultimately, our combination of proper raw material selection, microfiber generation and unique process form the pillars of our core technology.



Natural Fiber Composites platform

Our first market introductions are NCell™ Polypropylene based compounds, however our platform technology and IP cover thermoplastic polymers from commodity polyolefins to bio-based resins such as Polylactic Acid (PLA).  Our microfiber technology is further applicable to a variety of Lignocellulosic sources from wood and agro-fibers.

View GreenCore Products based on NCell™ Microfiber Technology.

 
   

Microfiber Imaging

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image depicting Microfibers in polypropylene Matrix

 

Microfiber Dispersion

X-Ray MicroCT Images depicting NCell™Improved (top) vs. Poor (bottom) dispersion in conventional WPC. Wood fiber agglomerates can be seen causing stress concentrations and lower mechanical performance in the composite.