Natural Fibres and Biodegradation Facility

The Natural Fibres and Biodegradation (NFBD) facility is organized to allow research activities and analytical tests relative to two main (bio) technological capabilities: (i) Eco-design of industrial bio/sourced materials, from lab-scale to pilot-scale, which includes state-of-the-art analytical instruments, and (ii) Respirometry, biodegradation assessment and bioprocess optimization. The labs are staffed by a team with expertise in applied microbiology and are used: (i) to conduct applied research activities (bio/sourced materials, biodegradation tests, etc.), (ii) to develop eco-friendly biotechnologies, and (iii) to characterize biomass samples via NRC specific protocols, but also (iv) to produce raw materials or purified fibres for client-specific needs, and (v) to do in-field demonstration to key stakeholders. The equipment is unique because it has a wide operating temperature range (from 15oC to 65oC), the volume capacity of the bioreactors ranges from 1 L to 6 L, and the quantity of reactors is equal to 34 vessels. The straw-fibre processing technology is comprised of a complete set of (bio) processing and analytical equipment. This allows for the characterization of the physical and biochemical properties of flax and hemp straw/fibre samples.