2003-2007
Microfibrillated cellulose consists of nanostructures with high stiffness and strength, crystals with self-organising effects, and hydroxyl groups at the surface, providing reaction sites for further modification. The NanoCell project focuses on the production of cellulose nanostructures from pulp with tailored surfaces properties to be used in materials with new or enhanced properties, such as high-performance nanocomposites and materials with superhydrophobic surfaces.
Microfibrillated cellulose for innovative materials
The centrepiece in producing cellulosic nanoelements is a nanofacility, which includes mechanical disintegration combined with enzymatic hydrolysis and homogenisation. Suitable chemical treatments for modifying the surface of nanoelements are also under development. Microfibrillated cellulose with tailored surface chemistry is a very exciting constituent for innovative materials.
Examples of applications
Examples of applications studied in the NanoCell project include nanocomposites for high-modulus films and thermoplastic moulding compounds; materials with superhydrophobic surfaces and unique electrical, magnetic or absorption properties; functional fibre coatings providing superior fracture properties for paper and preventing fibre collapse during drying; and functional materials for engineering and (bio)technology applications.