Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems

Biorefineries

Biorefineries research group is led by Prof. Herbert Sixta. The group's research covers the entire value chain from the fractionation of the lignocellulosic biomass to valorization of the isolated biopolymers, with the aim of sustainably producing commodities analogous to fossil-based products.

CHEM_Bio_Marianna_Granatier_From wood to fiber — Marianna Granatier, From wood to fiber

Research themes:

1. Biomass fractionation - chemical pulping refineries and novel fractionation processes:

We investigate radically new energy and resource efficient production technologiesfor chemical pulping, e.g. Kraft-Oxygen Delignification (KrOxy) process and new dissolving pulp technologies. In addition, our research group develops novel biomass fractionation processes based on the utilization of Biomass valorisationsupercritical water and green solvents, e.g. gamma-valerolactone (GVL).

Investigation of novel fractionation technologies such supercritical water, and Organosolv fractionation methods simultaneously with the optimization of the conventional kraft pulping process;
Pulp characterizations, bleaching, purification (hemicellulose removal) and the adjustment of pulp properties.

2. Biomass valorisation:

Cellulose: We study conversion of cellulose e.g. into man-made cellulose fibers and all-cellulose composites.

Hemicelluloses: Our research topics include the valorisation of xylan from alkaline extractions, production of xylo-oligosaccharides and catalytic conversion of biomass-derived sugars into furans.

Lignin: Lignin is an interesting biomass component which can be converted into valuable products such as bio-oil. Lignin-cellulose blends can be used e.g. as precursor fibers for carbon fibers, or as natural dye in textiles.

Dissolving pulp production according to existing and new protocols
Production of man-made cellulose fibers from virgin cellulose pulp and cellulosic textile wastes by the Lyocell spinning process with emphasis on the Ioncell® fiber process
Chemical modification of regenerated cellulose fibers
Production of furanic-based platform chemicals from biomass-extracted hemicellulose
Production of bio-oil and monoaromatic compounds from various lignin sources by catalyzed and uncatalyzed hydrothermolysis.

Our versatile reactor portfolio enables flexible pulping experiments from small lab-scale (30 mL) to pilot scale (10 L), including both traditional (prehydrolysis) kraft and novel Organosolv processes. Elemental-Chlorine-Free (ECF) and Total-Chlorine-Free (TCF) bleaching techniques are readily available.

Our flagship research in biomass valorization is the production of novel man-made cellulose fibers for the circular economy by the dry-jet-wet spinning Ioncell® process, which convert cellulose from virgin wood pulp or cellulosic textile waste into high-quality, high-strength textile fibers. In addition, our research group is equipped with fiber characterization equipment and yarn spinning machinery. We also investigate in the conversion of extracted hemicelluloses and lignin to high value products such as furanic platform chemicals, monoaromatic compounds and bio-oil. Our lab developed advanced chromatography methods (HPLC, CE, IC, GPC) for comprehensive analysis of complex product mixtures.

Aalto University/Biorefineries monowave — Valorisation of hemicellulose

Examples of ongoing research projects:

Trash-2-Cash (EU Horizon 2020)
SolvRec (Business Finland)
iCom (Business Finland)
ALL-CELL (FiDiPro, Prof. Tatiana Budtova)
WoCaFi (ERC starting grant, Dr. Michael Hummel)
Tekide (ERDF)

ALL-CELL: From ultra-light to ultra-strong all-cellulose composites via green processing

Finland Distinguished Professor grant awarded to Prof. Tatiana Budtova (Center for Materials Forming of MINES ParisTech, France). The goal of the 4-year project (started 2016) is to imagine, prepare and characterize new fully bio-based materials, all-cellulose composites.

Feng Chen, Tatiana Budtova and Oona Korhonen - ALL-CELL team. Photo by Eveliina Jutila

Ioncell

Ioncell-F is a technology that turns used textiles, pulp or even old newspapers into new textile fibers sustainably and without harmful chemicals. The process converts cellulose into fibers which in turn can be made into long-lasting fabrics.

Awards:

The Ioncell-F process was granted the Global Change Award 2016 by the H&M Conscious Foundation, the Paper Recycling Award 2015 of the European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC), and the DIA Innovation Award 2018.

President Sauli Niinistö and Jenni Haukio at 2018 Finnish Independence Day reception. Photo: Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva

Mrs. Jenni Haukio’s gala dress in the Independence Day Reception 6.12.2018; photo: Vesa Moilanen, Lehtikuva. Textile design: Helmi Liikanen (ARTS), dress design: Emma Saarnio (ARTS)

A scarf made of Ioncell® fibers from recycled waste cotton and given to president Macron

Marimekko’s Unikko dress. It was produced form Ioncell®/Tencel™ blend woven fabric. Photo: Sebastian Johansson, dress design: Riikka Buri, Marimekko

The Ioncell dress group

γ-valerolactone biorefinery

γ-valerolactone pulping is a novel organic solvent fractionation process developed by Professor Herbert Sixta’s Biorefineries research group.

GVL biorefinery Photo: Aalto University / Anni Hanén

We urge not only for investment in pulping research, but also for the commitment of young researchers.Together we make pulping great again!

Herbert Sixta, head of the research group

The textile industry needs sustainable fibers produced from renewable or recycled sources, which can be recycled at the end of their life and which do not produce micro-plastics. The demand for textile fibers is growing due to population growth and living standards. Currently, most textile fibers are synthetic, e.g. polyester, and are made from non-renewable sources. Cotton cultivation causes environmental problems due to the high consumption of irrigation water, pesticides and fertilizers. When textiles made of synthetic fibres are washed and worn, small fragments are released, causing microplastic contamination.

Aalto University offers the opportunity to study the raw material chemistry and process engineering necessary for the development of a sustainable textile industry, thereby combining materials research with textile and fashion design.

Production of commodities from biomass is the most viable option in the foreseeable future to mitigate the climate changes.

The raw materials of novel man-made cellulose fibers that we are developing in our research group are virgin pulp and recycled cotton waste. Cellulose pulp is made from smaller trees, and thinning stimulates the growth of remaining trees, thereby increasing carbons storage. When pulp is used for long-lasting products like textiles, the carbon is stored in the product. The recycling of cellulosic textiles even prolongs the carbon sink