Bark Biorefinery upscaling processes and new materials
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLAN - Institutionen för fiber- och polymerteknologi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 850 000 |
| Project duration | November 2013 - February 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
To isolate and characterize bark polysaccharides, pectins and cellulose nanocrystalls and demonstrate new materials, such as barrier films, with excellent specific properties have been performed (Myriam Le Normand PhD thesis 2014) Considering the upscaling of suberin and epoxy fatty acids contacts have been established with the Wood Wisdom project to obtain crude material to upgrade. The material has arrived but there still remain work with upgrading. New contacts with industrial partners considering upscaling of the bark biorefinery has been established
Expected long term effects
The different bark components can be fractionated , characterized and used in new materials, such as different type of films, with good properties. For the first time, cellulose nanocrystals have been isolated from bark and added in the films and shown to increase the barrier properties. Experimental methods in lab scale has been shown, upscaling to pilot is the next step
Approach and implementation
Fractionation, characterization and production of new materials have all been done in the KTH division and run according to plan. The studies have been published in well renowned journals and a PhD thesis A new cooperation has been established with a Wood Wisdom project partner in Finland They have contributet with samples for upgrading, but the work is ongoing but delayed