Turning forestry biomass into sustainable nanocellulose-based materials
Research leaders
Project information
Our aim is to enable the development of a new generation of sustainable and safe cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-based products. We developed three routes to modify CNF. The use of CNF as reinforcement was investigated in two plastic matrices where a major challenge is the dispersion of CNF into the matrix, possibly overcome by modifying the CNF with a hydrophobic surface.
To assure an unprejudiced introduction of new materials, human health and environmental risks need to be assessed already in the early development stage. In this project, safety aspects are considered in parallel with material development. The few toxicological studies with wood-derived CNF have so far not shown any indications of toxicity. However, different raw materials, processes and chemical modifications may alter physicochemical properties, highlighting the need of case-by-case studies.
The project team comprise the academic partners Uppsala University, KTH, Stockholm University, and RISE Bioeconomy (former Innventia). Stora Enso and BioBag ensured the project’s industrial relevance. SwedNanoTech managed the stakeholder dialogue.