Technology and Sustainability of Crop Fibre Uses in Bioproducts in Ontario, Canada: Corn Stalk and Cob Fibre Performance in Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

Composites containing fibres from biological sources, such as residues from field crop production, are being increasingly used for manufacturing consumer products, automobile parts and construction materials because of their low costs, as well as their ecological and performance benefits. The chapter examines the sustainability of using plant fibres for bioproduct manufacturing in Ontario, Canada from annual and perennial crops. It also examines parameters that affect the performance of composites compounded with polypropylene and (Zea mays) corn fibres. In particular, the study identified relationships between specific performance characteristics of the corn fibres and their chemical compositions and confirmed that plant genetics and crop production environment play significant roles in both traits. Further, it identified cell wall traits, genomic regions and genes that might be used to select corn lines that have improved fibre characteristics for bioproduct manufacturing.