Barrier and physicochemical properties of structured cellulose materials

Structured cellulose materials can form quite dense structures, which then yields high gas barrier properties. This has been shown for e.g. cellulose nanofibrillar films. The reason is most probably that these fibrils arranges them self side-by-side locally to the extent that it is often difficult to distinguish individual fibrils in the solidified films.  In this project […]

Sustainable biocomposites

My research is about molded wood fibers, nanocellulose films, and polymer matrix biocomposites for desired properties, particularly mechanical performance within a sustainable development framework.Understanding the process, structure, and properties of hot-pressed biocomposites is the primary research question.

Processing of organosolv fractions for a functionalization and valorization in biobased materials

Optimization of organosolv wood fractioning is performed to obtain pulp containing cellulose, hemicellulose, andlow levels of lignin. The pulp is functionalized to achieve specific fibre properties, such as water stability. The functionalized fibres are evaluated in industrial partners’ products, i.e. biobased foams, to provide valuable feedback for optimization of the functionalization procedures based on industry […]

Microscopic computed tomography aided finite element modelling of wood

Laboratory X-ray tube-based microscopic computed tomography (XµCT) aided finite element (FE) modelling considers XµCT data to characterize key engineering properties needed for modelling of material behavior. The method includes steps such as XµCT scanning, segmentation, meshing, and fiber reconstruction and can be supported by techniques such as digital image correlation and digital volume correlation. At […]

Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Novel Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes

To prepare novel biocomposites between cellulose (nano)fillers (nanofibers and nanocrystals) and NIPU thanks to their propensity to set up hydrogen bonding and interfacial covalent cross-linking with them.ESR9: To design biocomposites from novel waterborne or solvent-free functional NIPU polymers, where interface aspects and dispersion considerations are emphasized in order to achieve desired properties and processing characteristics.

Characterization of water transport in lignocellulosic systems

The aim of the doctoral project is to understand water transport phenomena in lignocellulosic systems better. The focus thereby lies on the characterization of cellulosic dispersions as well as wood-based materials employing state-of-the-art techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) neutron scattering as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Catalytic functionalization of lignin

In this project we functionalize lignin using catalysts to form functional materials suitable for crosslinking to thermosets and/or composite materials.

Tribocorrosion performance of cellulose bio-base hydraulics fluids and their application in wave energy converters. 

Offshore wave energy converters (WECs) rely on different mechanical sub-systems such as hydraulic cylinders, joints, hinges, cables, gears and bearings to convert and transmit the kinematic energy transported by the waves and tides into mechanical usable energy. In order to comply with the increasing environmental regulations, and protect the mechanical moving components exposed to the […]

Magnetic nanopaper

This project is focused on production and development of magnetic nanopaper with ferrimagnetic properties. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are used as a stiff and strong matrix of natural origin, while ferrimagnatic nanoparticles of SrFe12O19 are added to bring in the functionality. Nanopaper is prepared by spray coating technique which is simple to handle and to upscale. […]

3D nanotomography of wood fibres

Typically imaging of wood cells by 3D nanotomography is performed with the help of TEM or cryo TEM. To get a proper transmission signal, samples should be cut down to 100 nm thickness or even less. In this project we want to avoid extreme sectioning of wood pieces where observation area includes only a part […]

Fundamentals of nanoscale assembly of cellulose nanofiber

I am interested in fundamentals of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in dilute, semi-dilute, and crowded environment. Specifically, for CNFs, semi-flexibility of fibers and its effect on nano-scale dynamics is a key aspect of my project. At the moment, combining simulations with experiments (X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy) is the strategy to proceed the […]