Agro-Forestry Composites: From Development to Commercialization

Tam Tekle, President & CEO, TTS
9527 – 49th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
780-465-1532
www.ttsfpl.com

Since its inception in 1998, TTS was focused on the development of sustainable biocomposites products and technologies to utilize forestry residue and agricultural fibres. Two families’ composites, composites panels and fibre cement composites which are now in use are discussed in this presentation.

The composite panels are made with a mix of residue from forest products operation (bark and saw dust) and agricultural fibres which may be hem, flax or cereal straw. A version of these composites is also made with hemp to impart better acoustic properties and light weight, and flax shive. The composites are used as acoustic panels and designer furniture applications.

A broad spectrum recipe is developed to make fibre cement composites using either one of wood fibre or hemp hurd or flax shive. The current products in use are building blocks and cladding for building applications.

Application examples are presented using the designs of such prominent buildings as the Mosaic centre in Edmonton and the new Hemp Oil Canada building in Ste. Agathe, Manitoba where the TTS sustainable building products are showcased.