Pulp & Paper Canada: Transforming pulp: Can TMP act like kraft pulp for use in N95 masks?
by Pulp & Paper Canada
Dr. Christa Brosseau, lead researcher on a newly funded project, will explore if thermomechanical pulp can take on the properties of kraft pulp for face respirator production
Dr. Christa Brosseau (left), professor at Saint Mary’s University, with a student researcher.
The lead scientist set to research if thermomechanical pulp (TMP) from Nova Scotia can be used in the production of N95 respirators says she is looking forward to getting the project off the ground next month.
“We’re hoping to be able to innovate in this area,” says Dr. Christa Brosseau, a professor in Saint Mary’s University’s Faculty of Science. “There’s a great global demand right now and so it’s exciting for us.”
Saint Mary’s University (SMU) recently received a $72,600 grant from the Research Nova Scotia (RNS) COVID-19 Rapid Response program to fund the project, which will establish if TMP from Port Hawkesbury Paper can be turned into medical-grade pulp using chemical additives and/or alternative treatment options for the long-term production of face masks.
To learn more, check out this story from Pulp & Paper Canada, one of Canadian Manufacturing‘s sister publications
