Production of new high-performance CNF biocomposites (Cellulose nano-composites)

The aim is to develop new methods for large-scale melt processing of thermoplastic composites reinforced with high content of cellulose nano-fibrils. The goal is a thermoplastic process capable of mixing and shaping thermoplastic compositions reinforced with 30 % or more nano-cellulose, obtaining a functional composite stiffness at least 10 times of the polymer matrix. Alternatively, a modulus of more than 7 GPa would allow the use of biocomposites in semi-structural applications. The approach is to explore the possibilities from three perspectives; from the polymer system, the cellulose reinforcement and the thermoplastic processing.