Feasibility study for in-depth characterization of functionalized cellulose-based fiber materials
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE IVF AB - Div. Material och Produktion |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 182 619 |
| Project duration | November 2020 - May 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Industrial pilot projects for utilisation of large-scale infrastructures for neutron and photon based techniques – 2020 |
| End-of-project report | 2020-03799_Essity.pdf (pdf, 124 kB) |
Important results from the project
The main purpose of this pilot project was to investigate the possibility of using photon-based techniques for characterizing the internal structure of functionalized cellulose fibers and the distribution of active substances. The study is based on Essity´s need for high-resolution characterization as part of the development of novel advanced hygiene and wound care products and aims to strengthen Essity´s competence and make suitable technologies available.
Expected long term effects
Two fiber materials were selected where one material contains a polymer to increase wet strength while the other contains an antibacterial substance. Several photon-based techniques were evaluated, of which X-ray tomography and X-ray transmission microscopy (STXM) were identified as particularly suitable. High-resolution tomography combined with in situ water absorption and mechanical loading is expected to show how the polymer influence the fiber structure and wet strength, while STXM has the opportunity to detect the distribution of antimicrobial substance at fiber level.
Approach and implementation
As a result of this project, Essity, RISE and Chalmers have advanced a mutual understanding of both research questions and LSRI technical solutions, developing unified terminologies for an efficient communication and a solid ground for further collaboration, especially involving LSRI techniques for in situ/high resolution studies.