Nanolatexes for cellulose modification
Latex nanoparticles can be prepared via RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in water. They are tailor-made and highly versatile nanoparticles that can be used for modification of cellulosic fibers due to their high affinity. Part of WWSC.
Cuticle-inspired barriers for lignocellulose materials
We have created moisture-barrier films using the second most abundant C16 hydroxy fatty acid (Fig. 1)1. These are semicrystalline materials with different degrees of toughness. The material shows a high “apparent” hydrophobicity, as revealed by contact angle measurements (110-130°, much higher than for PLA). The reason is due to the rough surface that we create […]
Sustainable High Performance Polymers from Functional Building-Blocks Created in Water
The projects aim to develop new materials based on renewable resources. The synthetic strategy involved is highly modular. This modularity enables a plethora of monomeric building blocks in one step. The final materials originate from abundant, cheap, and renewable reactants, meaning that the developed material would apply to all applications, ranging from advanced biomedical applications […]
Theoretical study of lignin swelling in atomistic details
In this project vi use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate hygroscopic properties of various lignins. Our hope is that structure and dynamics on the atomistic level of details will complement existing macromechanical models. The goal is to test existing atomistic models of lignin subject to its interactions with water. The output of the project […]
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.
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.
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 […]
Understanding the mechanical processes in deep-drawing and press-forming of compacted paper laminates
Compacted paper laminates can be formed by deep-drawing or press-forming to produce packaging solutions with height to diameter ratios not reachable with conventional thermoforming machines. These processes involve complex interactions of the fibres in the compacted paper layers and between these layers, including the bonding between them, which can be made either with glue or […]
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 […]
