Large-scale extrusion of protein superabsorbents with cellulose fibres for hygiene applications

The project focus on producing sustainable superabsorbents (SAP) by utilizing fully integrated natural-based and biodegradable raw materials, combined with highly scalable polymer processing techniques. Extrusion of proteins combined with cellulose fibres, as a hygroscopic carrier for a water in-situ foaming process, is going to be implemented. The addition of blowing agents and reagents are going to be considered, as well as mechanisms to produce porosity in the material post-extrusion. The porous extruded materials are suggested as a potential alternative to commercial non-sustainable porous SAP, which are extensively used in the hygiene industry.