In-situ polymerization of functional polymers within the fiber cell wall

In this project, the fiber wall is modified to enable diffusion of functional monomers and subsequent polymerization and crosslinking within the wet-fiber wall resulting in a stiff and elastic fiber-composite. The fibers are modified in a fully biobased system and the end material is biocompatible and degradable.    

Structure-properties relationship of covalently crosslinked cellulose networks

In this work, the structure-property relationship of covalently crosslinked cellulose networks is studied by utilizing   surface modified cellulose nanofibrils and polymer links of defined structure and molecular weight. The effect of  molecular weight, chemical functionality and concentration on specific surface area, swelling, and mechanical properties of the hydrogel networks will be investigated.