2012 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials
Nano2012 Snapshot:
The 2012 International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials was held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Now in its 7th year, Nano2012 had 232 delegates from 20 countries to see what was new in cellulose and renewable nanomaterials. The theme for 2012 program – Bringing a New Dimension to Sustainable Business Solutions – was selected to highlight the need for a business case if renewable nanomaterials are going to be incorporated into new products. Cellulose Nanomaterials (CNs) and their composites were the main topic of interest. Technical presentations shared advances in various areas of research, such as, CN processing, characterization, surface functionalization, and composite processing. Additionally there were sessions dedicated to applications of CNs, environmental health and safety aspects of CNs, as well as national and international standards for CNs.
Conference Venue - Hyatt-Regency
Nano2012 Highlights:
- Tour of CelluForce: CelluForce was the first semi-commercial production facility designed to produce up to 1000 kg/day of cellulose nanocrystals. Jean Moreau, President and CEO of CelluForce, hosted the plant tour for TAPPI Conference attendees. CelluForce employees escorted tour groups through the two floors of the facility, which included a stop at the laboratory to see samples of their products.
- CelluForce reported on their practices for the safe production of CNs at their plant in Windsor.
- EHS: Research activities to date in this area continue to affirm the extremely low toxicity of cellulose nanomaterials.