Biobased Materials Technology
Our research areas:
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Pulp fiber structure and modification
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Carbon materials and energy storage
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Nanocellulose films
The BIOMAT team leverages the inherent possibilities of cellulosic fibers as building blocks for new sustainable products. Production of nanocellulose films, pulp dissolution, and porous carbon materials are current themes. We specialize in pore structure measurements and cellulose/water interactions.
Research themes:
1. Nanomaterial applications:
The BIOMAT team is developing nanomaterial applications for various fiber products. Especially, we are focused on technologies which have potentially large scale applications at an attractive cost structure.
NFC/MFC and nanopapers production
"Nanopapers" refers to paper grades where nanocellulose is a major structural component. Nanopapers have very different, and often superior properties than traditional grades of paper. We are working on nanocellulose production, suspension processing and nanopaper forming and dewatering issues.
Spray, roll, and airlaid forming methods
All-carbon films
We are developing graphene/nanocellulose composites and all-carbon films for various electrical applications.
2. Porous cellulosic materials:
The BIOMAT team is working on porous cellulosic materials. Lignocellulosic fibers and assemblies of nanocelluloses and other forms of cellulose have a fascinating pore structure that can be exploited in a number of product applications. This includes; liquid and gas phase absorbents, hygienic products and phase change composites for construction applications. In the world of porous materials, lignocellulosics are today very under represented. This work includes the development of cutting-edge techniques for measuring fiber, nanofiber and cellulose composite pore structure. We are also working on ways to modulate and stabilize the porosity of cellulosic materials and composites.
Porous nanopapers
In this area of research we are developing methods for producing high surface area and highly porous papers from nanocellulose-based furnishes.
Novel thermoporosimetry techniques
New approaches to thermoporosimetry are being developed including techniques based on unusual transformations of salts and solvents in confined geometries.
3. Dissolution of pulp fibers:
Assessment and enhancement of pulp reactivity
This study investigates the behavior of pulp under direct dissolution. Pulp reactivity is indirectly assessed monitoring the rheological behavior of pulp suspensions while the fibers are dissolving. The goal is to provide a deeper understanding of which pulp features affect pulp reactivity and to use this knowledge to develop different activation treatments.
Academic and Industrial Collaborations:
We have a multidisciplinary international team that works closely with industrial partners on topics that support the renewal of the forest products industry. Our work is dedicated to advancement of sustainable raw materials and products in areas where our partners see possibilities for value creation.
New collaborations with:
- Coimbra University
- UBI University (Portugal)
- Karlstad University
New projects with:
- Stora Enso
- UPM Kymmene
- Navigator Company
Research group members:
Recent graduates:
Functional Properties of Mechanically Exfoliated Graphene (http://www.urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-60-8863-1)
Latest publications:
Functionalized cellulose nanofiber films as potential substitutes for Japanese paper
Improvement of the properties of nanocellulose suspensions and films by the presence of residual lignin
Revealing pore size distribution in cellulose and lignin-cellulose man-made fibers – effect of draw ratio and lignin content
Refinability of mercerized softwood kraft pulp
Thermoresponsive and biocompatible poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-cellulose nanocrystals hydrogel for cell growth
Cyclic Pressing as a Viable Approach for Dewatering and Controlling Shrinkage of Micro-Nanofabricated Cellulose Films
Production of low-density and high-strength paperboards by controlled micro-nano fibrillation of fibers
Production of functionalized nanocelluloses from different sources using deep eutectic solvents and their applications
Impact of high consistency enzymatic hydrolysis and defibration drying on cellulose fiber pore characteristics
Effect of pulp prehydrolysis conditions on dissolution and regenerated cellulose pore structure
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