Transparent cellulose-based packaging material with good gas barrier properties

Important results from the project

Research has been conducted to enable the production of transparent cellulose-based barrier materials that can compete with conventional plastic materials. This has largely been achieved through the development of chemically modified fibres that, through chemical treatment of a formed paper, is further converted to so-called cellulose nanofibrils. This provides a transparent gas barrier film. To further improve the barrier properties, especially against moisture, we have used a composite approach with nanoplatelets, as well as deposition of nanometer-thin inorganic films.

Expected long term effects

The project has resulted in two peer-reviewed articles, one granted patent and two nearly completed manuscripts. Two or three more manuscripts, as well as a doctoral thesis, will then be written. Thanks to the close collaboration with the project´s industry partner, who also works internally to develop the technology even further, the project has also resulted in a development and implementation project ("Hypothesis testing project"; Ref No 2020-00862) and a collaborative project within the call "Research infrastructures - utilisation and collaboration" (Ref No 2019-05273).

Approach and implementation

The project was constituted by a doctoral project, with focus on fiber modification and material production, a postdoctoral project, with focus on post-treatment techniques to further improve material properties, and an industrial development and collaboration project. The first two were performed at KTH with regular contact with the industrial partner involved; project meetings 2-3 times a year to ensure the "path" of the work, informal phone/online meetings at least every month, and e-mail communication in-between. Both project partners have been satisfied with this approach