Competitive production of wood fibre based composites
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE SICOMP AB - Swerea SICOMP AB, Mölndal |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 369 000 |
| Project duration | November 2016 - December 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
| Call | Challenge-driven innovation - Stage 2 Collaboration 2016 (autumn) |
Important results from the project
The purpose was to verify new innovative technology for chemical modification of thermomechanical pulp (TMP) in the mechanical pulp manufacturing process. The aim was to develop a competitive manufacturing method for the production of fibres that are compatible with different plastics, so that composites can be manufactured without any other additives, with at least as good properties as existing commercial plastics and wood fibre composites. A result bank has been generated and many milestones have been achieved.
Expected long term effects
A patent describing the innovation was granted (SE 1651139 A1, SE 540 288 C2). Large number of combinations of refining settings and chemicals were tested in a series of pilot trials. The properties of composites with a selection of modified fibres were compared to pure plastics and composites with conventional TMP fibres with and without compatibilizer. Demonstrators in the form of cups, handles and chair chassis have been produced from the developed materials.
Approach and implementation
Pilot trials were carried out for production of chemically modified TMP fibres. Different kinds of chemicals were tested. The surface properties of the fibres were characterized: contact angle and spectroscopy (ATR and NMR). Composites were manufactured: processability, moisture absorption and mechanical properties were evaluated. Demonstrators for various uses were made: challenges were identified, solutions were proposed and tested.