The project focuses on the drying process for cellulose-based insulation materials used in large power transformers. It is critical that the insulation material is dry for the reliable operation and long life of the transformer. The material is, however, inherently difficult to dry and the drying process is complex and has mostly arisen from empirical study. There is therefore a need for improving the theoretical understanding of the underlying physicochemical and transport mechanisms within the material under drying conditions. To address the problem, computational modelling (molecular, coarse-grained and continuum modeling) combined with experimental methods (X-ray and neutron scattering, moisture measurements, etc.) will be used to help understand the full picture of the drying, from atomic to macroscopic level. In particular, the difficulties to remove water from cellulose surfaces and confined spaces as well as the role of kerosene in the drying process will be investigated.
Associated projects
Here you find all the projects that have been associated to Treesearch. To associate a project, read more here. If you want to update any project information, please contact the Treesearch registrar.
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- Hitachi Energy, KTH
Moisture management in cellulose insulation materials
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): Hitachi Energy, KTH
- Financier(s): NeXt
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH
Chemo-enzymatic modification of holocellulose fibres for advanced applications
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 2-biorefinery, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH
- Financier(s): VR
The aim of the project is to develop methods for the preservation of hemicelluloses from biomass and their enzymatic modification towards the development of bio-based fiber materials, such as highly strong nanosheets for potential biomedical applications.
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 2-biorefinery, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- Umeå universitet
All-Plant-Based Artificial Lighting Solution for Greenhouses
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): Umeå universitet
- Financier(s): Carltryggersstiftelse and Bertil och Britt Svenssons Stiftelse för Belysningsteknik
Artificial lighting is essential for greenhouse cultivation, especially in regions with long, dark winters such as Sweden. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have significantly improved energy efficiency and enable spectral control via colour conversion layers (CCLs), which transform UV or blue light into wavelengths (400–700 nm) suitable for plant growth. However, current CCL materials, mainly inorganic phosphors and quantum dots, depend on rare earth elements, heavy metals, and other critical raw materials, raising concerns about supply security, cost, and environmental impact.This project aims to develop fully plant-derived CCLs for sustainable greenhouse lighting. We will synthesize highly luminescent carbon dots (C-dots) from local biomass to replace conventional colour conversion materials, while also exploring bio-based polymers as alternatives to petroleum-based matrices. These materials are designed to deliver comparable optical performance without relying on toxic or scarce resources.Briefly, the project will establish a sustainable and adaptable lighting solution, that derived from plants and optimized for plant growth, supporting circular and resource-efficient greenhouse agriculture.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH, Lakehead University, RISE
Application of functionalised lignin nanoparticles as Pickering emulsifier in paper-coating
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 2-biorefinery
- Partner(s): KTH, Lakehead University, RISE
- Financier(s): KTH, Mitacs Globalink Research Award
This project focuses on the chemical modification of lignin to impart antibacterial and flame-retardant properties. By leveraging the advantages of nanoscale structuring, the modified lignin nanoparticles are expected to act as efficient emulsifiers in oil–water systems. Ultimately, this approach aims to generate a multifunctional, lignin-derived material from a waste resource.
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 2-biorefinery
- Ongoing
- Linköpings universitet
Soft electronic solid-state cooling
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): Linköpings universitet
- Financier(s): Wallenberg Initiative for Sustainable Materials
We are seeking to harvest the caloric cooling power of soft materials for applications such as chip cooling and air-conditioning amongst others. The technology we aim to replace is the environmentally harmful vapor compression system, which we seek to surpass in application performance and sustainability aspects. The main research aim is the discovery of a mechano-electro claoric hybrid system based on soft dielectric polymeric mono-materials.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH
Cellulose esters for textile applications
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH
- Financier(s): Åforsk
Through synthesis of innovative cellulose esters, new pathways for dissolution of cellulose for textile recycling and production can be enabled.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- Karlstads universitet
Mechanics of load-bearing sustainable materials
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): Karlstads universitet
- Financier(s): KK-stiftelsen
Novel load-bearing materials from forest, e.g., paper fibre materials, cross-laminated timber (CLT), etc, are important materials for bioeconomy as they can store carbon for long-term commitment, but they are complex in nature having anisotropy, environmental sensitivity and other factors that affects their mechanical performance. This project focus on further research on mechanical characterization of such materials towards new sustainable products.
Related publications:
Tavares da Costa, M.V., Arroyo, B., Cicero, S., Assessment of the fracture behaviour of quasi-brittle gypsum boards with and without reinforced paper fibers used in timber modules, Construction and Building Materials, 487 (2025) 142014. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061825021658?via%3Dihub
Tavares da Costa, M.V., Perstorper, M., Vessby, J., Analyses of bending performance of innovative paper-based sandwich beams with cup-box core, Journal of Sandwich Structures & Materials, 26 (2024) 8. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10996362241287426
Tavares da Costa, M.V., Vieilledent, L., Perstorper, M., Vessby, J., Mechanical performance analysis of CLT and structural timber rails under compression tests, World conference on timber engineering (WCTE), Brisbane, Australia, 2025. Oral presentation/conference paper in: https://www.proceedings.com/080513-0606.html
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH, Paul Scherrer Institute
Lignin in Sustainable 3D Printing through Neutron Scattering
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 3-material forming, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH, Paul Scherrer Institute
- Financier(s): SSF
The surge in demand for green and sustainable materials to replace energy-intensive, fossil-derived resources has drawn significant attention to lignin, one of the most abundant biopolymers on Earth. Despite its abundance, lignin remains underutilized and represents significant untapped potential for next-generation materials. This project addresses key challenges arising from lignin’s structural heterogeneity and limited processability in additive manufacturing by employing advanced neutron and X-ray scattering techniques to enable further development of high-performance, bio-based materials.
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 3-material forming, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- Mittuniversitetet
Microemulsions made with byproducts from the paper and pulp industry
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 2-biorefinery
- Partner(s): Mittuniversitetet
- Financier(s): European Regional Development Fund (grant number 20361245)
The research group in Surface and Colloid Engineering mainly conducts research on biopolymers in different materials applications. The objective of this project is to develop a novel methodology for preservative and sustainable impregnation of construction wood. The strategy is based on usingmicroemulsions for penetration of porous structures and deposition of biologically active and sustainable wood preservation compounds. The superior properties of microemulsions are currently utilized in different industrial processes. Because of their amphiphilic composition, microemulsions can solubilize and transport water-insoluble substances, that in a later stage can be deposited inside the complex porous wood fiber matrix. Different microemulsion formulations and bioactive inclusion substances will be tested and evaluated from preservative and sustainable perspectives. The developed methodology could also be suitable for fiber-based barrier materials, which will be evaluated in the later stages of the project
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 2-biorefinery
- Ongoing
- KTH, University of Bologna
Green Synthesis of Lignin and Lignin-Based Nanoparticles from Rice Husk for different Applications
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH, University of Bologna
- Financier(s): University of Bologna
This research explores the valorization of rice husk lignin, a renewable and low-cost agricultural byproduct, for the development of multifunctional, eco-friendly materials and cosmetic products. Lignin, a natural phenolic biopolymer, possesses intrinsic UV-blocking and antioxidant properties, making it a promising alternative to synthetic polymers and chemical UV filters. The study focuses on synthesizing spherical lignin nanoparticles (sLNPs) and hybrid lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) by incorporating lignin using environmentally friendly methods. These nanoparticles will be characterized through advanced techniques including SEM, TEM, DLS, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and TGA to assess their morphology, size, surface chemistry, optical properties, and thermal stability. The research evaluates their functionality in two main applications: (i) reinforcement of biodegradable films to enhance mechanical and barrier properties, and (ii) formulation of sunscreen emulsions to improve UV protection, antioxidant activity, stability, and skin compatibility. Comparative studies between lignin and hybrid nanoparticle systems aim to identify the most effective formulations. By converting rice husk lignin into high-performance nanoparticle systems, the project advances circular economy principles, reduces reliance on synthetic UV blockers and plastics, and contributes to sustainable material and cosmetic design.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing