Mechanics of Fiber Networks, Materials and Packaging
At the department of Solid Mechanics, we focus on the behaviour of solid materials and structures under various loadings and climate conditions. Understanding the properties and performance of materials is crucial in designing and optimizing components for diverse applications.
Driven by sustainability concerns and cost-effectiveness, wood fibre-based materials hold immense potential to replace plastics in a wide range of applications. To fully realize this potential, it is crucial to understand the mechanical properties of these materials across different length scales, which is currently a limiting factor.
Multiscale modelling plays a vital role in predicting the material's behaviour and performance in real-world applications. A comprehensive understanding of the material's properties at each scale contributes to the development and optimization of wood fibre-based materials, enhancing their potential for use in, e.g., packaging, vehicles and power transformers.
Research on the deformation and damage mechanisms of fibre-based materials and packaging is well-established at KTH. We aim to improve material, converting, and product properties by employing a cross-disciplinary approach that encompasses the fields of mechanical engineering, material science and process technology. This multi-disciplinary nature of the research facilitates the integration of insights from diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and driving advances in wood fibre-based materials.
The research is based on experimental observations, development of theoretical models, and numerical simulations that span from individual fibres to complete products. This holistic approach enables us to explore the complex interactions and dependencies among various factors, ultimately leading to improved material performance.
Significant collaboration partners include the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology at KTH, RISE Bioeconomy, and various organizations within the forest and packaging industries. These collaborations not only underscore the cross-disciplinary nature of the research but also create a robust network of expertise that accelerates the development and implementation of wood fibre-based materials in the pursuit of sustainable alternatives to plastics.