Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering
The application focus of the group is on sustainable textiles and biobased carbon materials.
Group's research areas are:
- Bio-based carbon material:
Wood-derived polymers and other biopolymers are subjected to tailored pyrolysis protocols to produce bio-based carbon material. The main applications targeted are carbon fibers, carbon material for energy harvesting and storage, and carbon catalysts for chemical reactions. - Rheological behavior of biopolymer solutions and suspensions:
Traditional and novel solvent systems are explored to dissolve various biopolymers and non-polymeric constituents. The solutions or suspensions are characterized by a comprehensive set of rheological tools (shear, capillary and extensional rheometers). - Biopolymer-based fibers and yarns for functionalized textiles:
Cellulosic and other biopolymeric fibers are modified following the twelve principles of green chemistry. Functionalized textiles are developed together with Aalto University’s textile engineers and designers.
The team led by Prof. Michael Hummel studies various biosynthesized polymers such as lignocellulose, non-plant based carbohydrates, and polypeptides using a comprehensive set of analytical tools and processing equipment.
Team members:
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Fascination for wood and Finland.
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Michael Hummel appointed as Associate Professor
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Postdoc researcher thinks that cutting-edge research requires a multi-disciplinary group of highly qualified and highly motivated partners.
Seven-figure grant for researcher producing carbon fibre from wood
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