SUSBICO: Sustainable biocomposites
SUSBICO project combines two strong research expertise areas: biomass-derived material development in Oulu (University of Oulu is the project coordinator) and composite research in Luleå (Luleå University of Technology is a project partner). The main goal of the bilateral project is to develop novel green polyester resins that have competitive or better materials properties compared […]
Knowledge and networking platform for sustainable electronics based on northern bioresources – SUSEN
The aim of the project is to promote knowledge, networking and joint-actions in cross-border research and innovation, and industrial activities related to sustainable electronic materials, components and applications by combining unique regional expertise of Oulu Univeristy , Luleå University of Technology and various northern companies. Especially, the project will focus on i) Providing knowledge on […]
Hygroexpansion in branch wood
Norway spruce branch wood is often chipped and used as forest fuel. To promote a better value chain for this byproduct, extensive material characterization is necessary. Using microscopic X-ray Computed Tomography and elastic image registration allows to investigate the hygroexpansion strains of branch wood.
Quantification of fungal damage in Scots pine round timber by X-ray CT imaging
The rising problem of pine forests experiencing various forms of damage, notably in young forests situated in northern Sweden, is a mounting cause for worry. The culprit behind this damage is Scots pine blister rust, Törskate (in Swedish), a fungus that specifically attacks the tree's trunk and branches. The primary goal of this project is […]
A multiscale modelling approach aided by X-ray techniques to deepen the understanding of the effect of climate change on the hygromechanical behaviour of wood
Climate change has shown to alter the mechanical properties of wood. This suggest an alteration of the hygromechanical behaviour, behaviour that by itself is not fully elucidated yet. The deeper understanding of the hygromechanics of wood is important in the correct prediction and interpretation of drying and long-term behaviour of this material. In this light, […]
Design of biochar from residual streams – influence of fuel and process parameters on biochar properties for water and soil applications
Biochar can be used in many applications, including water treatment and soil improvement. The properties of biochar are affected by the conditions during production. In this project, the influence on the properties of the biochar at different process conditions is investigated through the gasification of residual streams from both the forestry and agricultural sectors. The […]
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 […]
HEALIX

This project is about development of novel wound dressing materials and we are making cellulose nanofiber hydrogels from wood as raw material.
Multiscale carbonized lignin nanomaterials with tailored structure for high electrochemical capacitance
The project work focuses on the development of functional nanostructured carbon material with large specific surface area and derived from sustainable materials, mainly lignin. Approaches such as electrospinning, freeze-casting as well as 3D printing can be involved. The possible applications of the carbon material can be electrodes in high-performance energy storage devices, for example, supercapacitors.
KAW Biocomposites
Technical objective The project is focused on materials design of biocomposites which are semi-structural, recyclable and/or biodegradable. The term “semi-structural” needs to be defined. If 30wt% glass fiber/polypropylene is selected as the reference material for substitution, it would mean that the modulus should be > 6 GPa and the tensile strength > 85 MPa. In […]