Under a Technology License Agreement with the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC"), a federal research & development organization, JER holds an exclusive license to intellectual property covered by both US and Canadian patents, as well as a patent pending in the European Union and selected Asian markets.

Much of the patented intellectual property centers around the interface between the organic cellulose fibre and the thermoplastic matrix of the thermoplastic biocomposite compound, and specifically on the inherent dryness of the finished material. The central concept in the patents is a unique coupling agent that provides three important functions:

1. It Acts as a Chemical Dryer

   Commercially available wood fibers, as an example, contain at a minimum of 8% water. If this water is not properly removed during compounding or sheet extrusion, the process will be unstable and the physical properties of the finished product will be poor.

   A high degree of dryness enables a better bond between the hydrophilic (water absorbing) organic cellulose fiber and the hydrophobic (water repelling) thermoplastic matrix, which is particularly important for biocomposite formulations with high fibre content. The result is a decreased hygro-sensitivity (better moisture resistance) in the finished compound, which means improved long-term performance, integrity, and resistance to environmental factors such as fungal growth and microorganism infestation.

   The JERtech® coupling agent is a powerful moisture absorber and when added to the process it draws the moisture level down to a point where physical properties are greatly improved.

   There are other mechanical methods of drying the cellulose fiber material prior to processing, however using a chemical process has a number of key advantages:

   • It enables a lower cost, simpler and faster manufacturing process. As no external drying equipment is required, JER can manufacture its biocomposites with fewer steps, less labour, and lower capital equipment costs. This enables the Company to offer its clients a superior product at a highly competitive price.
   • When mechanically dried, organic cellulose fiber must be quickly introduced into the production process, as it will begin to immediately absorb ambient moisture. This introduces production complexity as the fibre cannot be dried and stored for future production. In addition, it is more difficult to ensure consistent moisture content under shifting ambient conditions.
   • From a risk management standpoint, a chemically-based drying process is also much safer. Whenever an extremely dry, flammable material of a fine particle composition is used in manufacturing, there is a significantly increased possibility for fire and even a dust explosion.

2. It Acts as a Synergist

   Another important benefit of the JERtech® coupling agent is that it acts as a synergist, actually increasing the chemical bonding between the polymer and the organic cellulose fibers. As a result the molten compound becomes stiffer and more amenable to the sheet forming process.

   JER is investing significantly in sheet extrusion technology that capitalizes on the unique properties offered through the use of its JERtech® coupling agent in production process. JER is currently the only known manufacturer of solid thermoplastic biocomposite sheeting that is uniform, flat and offering high structural integrity.

3. It Extends Product Life

   A further advantage of the JERtech® coupling agent is its ability to chemically neutralize the acids in the lignin component of the cellulose. This is particularly important for thermoplastic biocomposites based on wood flour. All woods contain varying degrees of lignin, which cause premature degradation of the cellulose fiber.