Composite material of different shapes of cellulose

Purpose and goal

During this project Stora Enso and Cellutech have jointly investigated the possibility to develop a new biobased composite, comprising two completely different cellulose materials, cellulose fibres and hollow cellulose spheres. Our intention was to combine the strength of the cellulose fibres with the density reducing, cushioning, flexible and insulating properties of the cellulose spheres to obtain a more formable material that can be used for innovative packaging solutions and packaging design.

Expected results and effects

The project shows that it is possible to create a composite material, which depending on formulation can have properties resembling cardboard or be of a more innovative nature. The project was concluded with a jointly held workshop where the results from the project were shared with several stakeholders and potential future products were discussed.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been characterized by a close collaboration between Cellutech and Stora Enso. Cellutech has prepared batches of cellulose spheres with different size, wall thickness and density. Stora Enso has prepared composites of the spheres and fibres, and evaluated the ability of the individual cellulose materials to interact with each other under varying process conditions. Demonstrator materials of various combinations of spheres and fibres were fabricated, characterized, and compared with reference materials of conventional paperboard.