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.
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- 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
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH, LiU
Wood based ionic diode
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH, LiU
- Financier(s): KAW
Wood and its derivatives are highly attractive materials, not only due to their sustainability, low cost, and biodegradability, but also because of their intrinsic porous and hierarchical structure, excellent mechanical properties, and versatile surface chemistry. In this work, we present an ionic diode based on bipolar membranes fabricated from two oppositely charged wood membranes. The abundant functional groups in wood cellulose allow for facile tuning of surface charge density through chemical modification. We will focus on investigate of the relationships between the charge densities, wood structure and ionic diode performance. Part of WWSC.
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- Chalmers, Lunds universitet, MAX IV
Greener formulation using biopolymers
- Research theme: 3-material forming, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): Chalmers, Lunds universitet, MAX IV
- Financier(s): Carl Trygger, EU MSCA (PRISMAS), WISE
Our projects focus on the use of biopolymers such as cellulose, lignin, tannins and hemicellulose in formulations ranging from therapeutics, to home and personal care, agrochemicals and additive manufacturing, with the goal of reformulating without synthetic polymers. We are particularly interested in the use of green deep eutectic solvents to extract and modify cellulose, and lignin, and the use of cellulose nanofibrils and lignin polymers as rheology modifiers, pickering particles for emulsions stabilisation, soft gels and thin films or coatings. Deep eutectic solvent interactions with TEMPO-oxidised cellulose nanofibrils and commercial lignins are also under investigation for development of novel soft materials, and to develop more sustainable processing routes. We use small angle synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering to characterise the nanoscale structures in our materials and suspensions, alongside rheology, light scattering, mechanical testing, to correlate macroscopic properties with the molecular and fibril interactions in our systems.
- Ongoing
- 3-material forming, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- Boverket, Evia, Hunton, Lunds universitet, Optimera, Södra Building Systems, Swedish Wood, The Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture Industry (TMF), University of Copenhagen
Novel bio-based, hygroscopic insulation materials for enhanced energy performance and robustness of buildings
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): Boverket, Evia, Hunton, Lunds universitet, Optimera, Södra Building Systems, Swedish Wood, The Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture Industry (TMF), University of Copenhagen
- Financier(s): Energimyndigheten
The construction sector in Sweden stands for about 22% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the embodied carbon in new buildings can be achieved by a transition to bio-based insulation materials since conventional insulation accounts for about 20% of the total embodied carbon. Additionally, bio-based materials are hygroscopic, i.e. they absorb moisture from the air which releases heat. Previous studies have shown that this is positive for the thermal performance of a building. Furthermore, hygroscopicity is advantageous in case of temporary moisture loads. We will study the function and use of biobased insulation materials, and, by use of chemical modification, examine how the hygroscopic properties can be tailored to further enhance a building’s energy performance and robustness to temporary moisture loads. The project is a collaboration between Lund University, University of Copenhagen and stakeholders from the construction sector included in the reference group.
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH, Skrivargården Lantbruks AB, SLU, Stockholms universitet
Finding peat alternatives for agriculture in Swedens most abundant industrial waste streams
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH, Skrivargården Lantbruks AB, SLU, Stockholms universitet
- Financier(s): MISTRA
This multidisciplinary project tackles two key environmental challenges in Sweden and the EU: reducing peat extraction and managing sludge waste from pulp and paper mills. By repurposing abundant mill sludge as a sustainable alternative to peat, the project aims to advance peat-free mushroom cultivation—particularly for peat-dependent species such as the common button mushroom. The research focuses on developing sludge-based substrates that replicate peat’s properties, studying microbial interactions within these materials, and evaluating their impact on mushroom growth, safety, and quality, thereby supporting Sweden’s transition toward a circular bioeconomy.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH
Tomograhy on soft matter and contrast modulation
- Research theme: 2-biorefinery, 3-material forming, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH
- Financier(s): KAW
X-ray tomography is a powerful way of imaging the internal structures of materials, without having to apply advanced sectioning techniques. One limitation in X-ray tomography of soft matter (e.g. wood based materials, polymers) is the poor contrast between components, which is inherent due to low differences in electron density. This project aims to develop contrast agents for wood- and polymer-based materials, to allow for computer-aided segmentation between different components. This will aid researchers in the development of novel products such as biobased adhesives, and beyond.
- Ongoing
- 2-biorefinery, 3-material forming, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH, Nouryon
Readily biodegradable vinyl polymers from biobased resources
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH, Nouryon
- Financier(s): Nouryon, SSF
The project aims at developing deep and relevant knowledge in polymer chemistry (monomer synthesis and polymerization procedures) and structure-property relationships (biodegradability and properties) with the aim to accelerate the capacity to transition into more sustainable materials. The main goals of the are: I. Design and synthesis of monomers that upon radical polymerization result in polymers with linkers in the main chain that are susceptible to biodegradation to prevent formation of microplastics and accumulation after end-of-use. II. Design and synthesis of biobased monomers available from biomass, ultimately with functionality identified in goal I. III. Polymerization of the synthesized monomers and characterization of the corresponding polymers, including their biodegradability. IV. Suspension polymerization of the most promising candidates using industrially relevant conditions to investigate encapsulating efficiency and subsequent expansion, to benchmark against commercially available thermo-expandable microspheres.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH
Increased accessibility and reactivity of cellulose for high-performance derivatives
- Research theme: 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH
- Financier(s): KAW
Cellulose is a renewable and biodegradable material, but its natural structure limits its use in some applications. Chemical modification can impart new properties to cellulose and expand its applications. This project will investigate methods to enhance cellulose reactivity and accessibility, aiming to improve the production of cellulose derivatives.https://www.kth.se/fpt/woodchem/research/cellulose-for-high-performance-derivatives-1.1244385
- Ongoing
- 1-wood components, 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- KTH
Green Synthesis of Lignin and Lignin-Based Nanoparticles from Rice Husk for several Applications
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): KTH
- Financier(s): University of Bologna
This research aims to develop and evaluate eco-friendly lignin-based nanoparticles derived from rice husk for dual applications in biodegradable films and sunscreen formulations. The project focuses on synthesizing spherical lignin nanoparticles (sLNPs) and hybrid lignin nanoparticle composites through green, sustainable methods. These nanomaterials will be thoroughly characterized using SEM, TEM, DLS, FTIR, UV-Vis, and TGA to determine their structural, functional, and thermal properties. Their incorporation into sunscreen emulsions will be assessed by measuring SPF performance, antioxidant activity, formulation stability, and UV-resistance, while similar evaluations in biodegradable films will investigate reinforcement and barrier enhancements. Overall, the study compares the functional advantages of lignin and hybrid nanoparticle systems to identify the most effective materials for sustainable packaging and cosmetic applications.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing
- Karlstads universitet
Modification of cellulose for paper making application
- Research theme: 4-material concepts
- Partner(s): Karlstads universitet
- Financier(s): Karlstads universitet
Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in nature; its renewability, sustainability, and biodegradability have brought cellulose more and more attentions all over the world. In particular, they have been acknowledged as having huge potential in pulp and paper technology. It is also possible to modify them using various modification techniques in order to expand the range of applications. The type of modification required may vary depending on the purpose of adding this kind of material. Understanding what is involved in different cellulose modification processes and what parameters need to be considered could provide solutions for maximizing the use of this kind of material. Therefore, the main objective of the PhD student project is to experimentally modify the surface chemistry/properties of the cellulose material with different kinds of treatments and pretreatments, study its properties, and finally apply it to papermaking or film production.
- Ongoing
- 4-material concepts
- Ongoing