Cellulose fibrils: Isolation, characterisation and reinforcing potential for biodegradable polymers

• Research unit: COST
• Project number: C06.0014

Key words (English)

cellulose fibrils; biopolymers; biocomposites; modification; functionalisation; compounding

Research programs (English)

COST-Action E50 - Cell wall macromolecules and reaction wood (CEMARE)

Short description (English)

During the past decade there has been a growing interest in the reinforcement of synthetic polymers by cellulose fibres or fibre fragments. The production of fully degradable nanocomposites with biopolymers like polylactic acid or polyhydroxybutyrate as matrix and nanoscaled cellulose fibrils with high aspect ratios as reinforcing filler has yet not been achieved. Thus, the objective of the proposed research is to optimise the production of novel biopolymer composites that are strengthened and functionalised by nanoscaled cellulose fibrils. A successful preparation of such biobased composites could open up ways to new applications in e.g. medicine, bio-packaging or horticulture.

Partners and International Organizations (English)

AT, BE, CH, DE, FI, FR, LU, LV, NL, PL, SE, SI, UK

Abstract (English)

During the past decade there has been a growing interest in the reinforcement of synthetic polymers by cellulose fibres or fibre fragments. The production of fully degradable nanocomposites with biopolymers like polylactic acid or polyhydroxy butyrate as matrix and nanoscaled cellulose fibrils with high aspect ratios as reinforcing filler has yet not been achieved. Thus, the objective of the proposed research is to optimise the production of novel biopolymer composites that are strengthened and functionalised by nanoscaled cellulose fibrils. A successful preparation of such biobased composites could open up ways to new applications in e.g. medicine, bio-packaging or horticulture.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: COST-DB of the State Secretariat for Education and Research Hallwylstrasse 4 CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland Tel. [phone] Swiss Project-Number: C06.0014