Avatar for Angelina Hang
Role
Finalist
Region
Greater Vancouver
Pronouns
she/her/hers

Angelina Hang

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Project

Novel Cost-Effective Method of Producing Regenerated Cellulose Fibres

Project #9306

In our project, we invented a new procedure for making regenerated cellulose fibers. These are fibers that can be made from many cellulose sources such as wood pulp, yard waste and algae. Commercial production methods, however, are either environmentally damaging (Rayon) or expensive (Lyocell). We adapted an existing procedure which dissolves the cellulose source in a sodium hydroxide/urea solvent, then regenerates it into hydrochloric acid. Our procedure dissolves cellulose with the same sodium hydroxide/urea solvent, but instead regenerates it into a diluted, heated solution of this solvent. This allows the excess water to be boiled off and the solvent reused. Our fibers were tested and shown to be as strong as those made with the existing method, and were calculated be more cost effective, all while being made using chemicals that produce no harmful emissions.

Challenge
Natural Resources
Category
Senior
Type
Innovation
Project Partner
Yes