Fundamentals of adhesion between wood biopolymers
Ph D Student: Erik Johansson
The objective with the project is fundamental data concerning the adhesion between the different polymeric components constituting the fibre wall. The effect of different surface modification techniques, such as polyelectrolyte multilayers, on adhesion is also under investigation. Force measurements are made under wet and dry conditions using Atomic Force Microscopy and the Micro Adhesion Measurement Apparatus. This is essential for establishing how surface modifications will affect the interaction between the surfaces and how the modifications should be changed to give the desired interaction.
This project also aims to obtain a quantified description of the factors controlling the adhesion between model surfaces of wood polymers and different types of specially prepared cationic and anionic starches.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayers were built up on silica surfaces in situ in the AFM liquid cell and the effect on adhesion between the surfaces were measured.
Project financed by Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research – Biomime and Lyckeby Research Foundation.
