WP2 - Surface treatment

In this work package the activities will be divided into two different projects. In the first project the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique will be used to prepare wood-based fibres/fibrils that are covered with a fire-resistant layer of polyelectrolytes and inorganic nanoparticles. The polymers and the particles will be selected both to give heat-insulating properties and fire retarding properties.

In the second project the work is going to be focused on tailoring of cellulose nanofibrils for incorporation in foams made with the Pickering emulsions technique together with inorganic nanomaterials where the overall goal is to identify eco-friendly and scalable processes to manufacture light-weight, fire retardant foams and composite material. Different applications such as being used in building/construction materials or in the transportation industry are considered for such material. Developing nano-cellulose based material is a main objective followed in the fire foam project. To achieve this, cellulose fibers/fibrils are being chemically modified to address fire-retardancy requirements, further they can be combined with inorganic components to optimize structure and strength of the material. In addition to chemical modifications, optimal surface finishes are being used to reach our goal; effective fire-retardant coatings are created through layer-by-layer assembly of suitable polyelectrolytes and inorganic nano-particles. Examining the effect of the choice of components and conditions during surface modifications as well as analysis of relationships between structure, surface treatment and fire retardancy are included in this study.  

This work will be conducted in close cooperation with Stockholm University where foams will be prepared and characterized (WP1). Both projects will naturally be closely connected with the activities in the Fire Retardancy work-package (WP3) where the critical testing of both the LbL treated materials and the foams will be conducted.