Bearbetning av organosolvfraktioner för funktionalisering och valorisering i biobaserade material.

Purpose and goal

The global demand for renewable, degradable and sustainable materials as an alternative to today´s fossil-based is increasing worldwide. The aim with this doctoral project is to study and develop wet-stable functionalized fibers from the organosolve process that can replace fossil-based low-density materials. The goal is to develop new sustainable processes for wet-stable fibers with the aim of developing new foamed low-density materials that can replace fossil materials.

Expected effects and result

The results will be published in 4-5 academic articles. The close collaboration with the companies gives the effect that the new knowledge and technology generated in the project will be able to be implemented in their products and contribute to the creation of new products. The hope is that the project will become part of the value chain so that fossil-based materials in food packaging can be replaced by bio-based.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is divided into four work packages, briefly described as follows: WP1: Optimization and fractionation (organosolv) of lignocellulose. WP2: Functionalization of the fractions. WP3: Preparation of novel biobased materials. WP4: Up-scaling of results. The PhD project also includes, the training to become an independent researcher with a possible future carrier in academia or industry. Achieving this involve courses, engagement in the doctorate school, contributions in conferences, seminars etc.