Sustainable textiles
Our research team continues the development of the Ioncell® process. The focus is on textile recycling and sustainable dyeing processes.
Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering
The Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering group is led by Prof. Michael Hummel. The group explores the structural features and thermochemical behavior of biopolymer solutions and suspensions to produce value-added products. Fundamental studies are directed towards the modification of biopolymers following the principles of green chemistry and enhancing the understanding of the visco-elastic properties of biopolymer solutions and suspension.
The application focus of the group is on sustainable textiles and biobased carbon materials.
The application focus of the group is on sustainable textiles and biobased carbon materials.
Research areas:
Biobased carbon materials
We investigate the use of wood-derived polymers and other biopolymers as bio-based alternative precursor material for various applications.
Carbohydrate chemistry
Our research is aiming at introducing additional functionality to biopolymers with a special focus on textile applications and to develop suitable analytical tools
Cellulose films
Our research focuses on the use of the Ioncell® technology to produce high-strength films through continuous extrusion.
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).
Analytical tools
Analytical chemistry is needed throughout the modification and/or manufacturing process of biomaterials. Knowledge on the chemical composition and molar mass of biopolymers is essential and thus we aim to develop new strategies for detailed biopolymer characterization.
Michael HummelA thoughtful use of biopolymers can help us to create a more sustainable society.
Team members:
Nicole Nygren-Sundell
Postdoctoral Researcher
Related content:
Latest publications:
Impact of Lignin Type on Yield and Fiber Morphology in Biobased Carbon Fiber Precursors
Jenny Bengtsson, Leandro Cid Gomes, Feryal Guerroudj, Hanna Ulmefors, Annika I. Altskär, Michael Hummel, Diana Bernin
2026
ACS Omega
Incorporation of a pyrethroid-based insecticide system into regenerated cellulose : interfacial interactions and effect on fiber formation
Sydney Brake, Diego Gomez-Maldonado, Sarah Zohdy, Michael Hummel, Alistair W.T. King, Adriana Restrepo-Osorio, Maria Soledad Peresin
2026
Carbohydrate Polymers
Accurate quantification of polyester in textiles through complete depolymerisation and HPLC
Mattia Cerri, Leena Pitkänen, Corné Schutgens, Michael Hummel
2026
Analytical Methods
Bio-based dispersion coating designed for enhanced functionality, recyclability and economic feasibility
Erandy Correa Guillen, Sahar Babaeipour, Paula Nousiainen, Susanna Forssell, Nina Forsman, Inge Schlapp-Hackl, Muhammad Awais, Monika Österberg, Luana Dessbesell
2026
Bioresource Technology
Fractionation of AquaSolv Omni Biorefinery Lignins and Their Application in Antioxidant and Ultraviolet-Protective Films
Daryna Diment, Mi Jung Cho, Davide Rigo, Michael Hummel
2026
ChemSusChem
Chemical Recycling of Next-Generation Films into New Films and Textile Fibers
Eva González Carmona, Inge Schlapp-Hackl, Michael Hummel
2026
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Nanoscale mixing of cellulose and lignin alters their pyrolysis interactions and derived carbon reactivity
Chamseddine Guizani, Antti Paajanen, Yu Ogawa, Jukka Vaari, Michael Hummel
2026
Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis
Comparing the Nitration of Nanostructured CNF and Other Cellulose Forms for Energetic Applications
Ana Carolina Marotti Dias, Cesar Liberato Petzhold, Leena Pitkänen, Maurício Ferrapontoff Lemos, Fernando Cunha Peixoto
2026
ACS Omega
Enhancing the Spinnability of Cellulose-Based Textile Waste by Doping with High Molecular Weight Bacterial Cellulose
Kaniz Moriam, Crystal E. Owens, Laurel Kroo, William Ghann, Jamal Uddin, Leena Pitkänen, Michael Hummel, Gareth H. McKinley
2026
Biomacromolecules
Towards recycling of ionic liquids in fiber spinning process –Carbohydrate transformation products in aqueous ionic liquid solutions studied by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Leena Pitkänen, Monika Tuominen, Behnaz Asadzadeh, Petri Uusi-Kyyny, Kalle Kaipanen, Petri Kilpeläinen, Michael Hummel, Herbert Sixta
2026
Carbohydrate Research
