Microemulsions made with byproducts from the paper and pulp industry

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