ValBio-3D - Valorization of residual biomass for advanced 3D materials
Research summary
The main objective of the ValBio3D project is to develop sustainable and 100% biobased composites based on agroindustrial residues, addressing the bioeconomy of the future.
Sub Goals:
1. Develop novel routes for production of a bioplastic based on agroindustrial residues
2. Develop processes for production of sustainable nanofibres suitable as reinforcement of bioplastics in structured biocomposites and as a main component in bioapplications
3. Develop novel routes for functionalizing nanofibres and bioplastic for optimal adhesion in the biocompounds
4. Develop prototype biocomposites based on 3D (bio)printing as a novel technology
5. Perform a lifecycleassessment (LCA) of biocomposites
Description
The project will address sustainable management and conservation of natural resources by emphasizing the appropriate utilization of agro-industrial residues available in Europe and Latin America. To achieve proper
utilization of lignocellulosic biomass a suitable separation of the different components, i.e. cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, is needed, thus requiring development of effective and self-sustainable biorefinery concepts. Novel technologies for manufacturing bio-based products from the obtained materials will also be addressed, for example 3D printing for the production of biocomposites. The environmental life-cycle impacts of the novel bio-based materials and composites will be assessed in order to ensure their positive impact.
The project is divided into 7 work packages (WPs).
In WP1, the aim is to design suitable and feasible routes for
fractionation of lignocellulosics and generating materials for the production of bioenergy, bioplastics and biocomposites. WP2 targets at effective utilization of the hemicellulose and lignin fractions obtained in WP1 and their conversion into biocompounds and bioenergy. In WP3, ligno-nanocelluloses will be produced from the cellulose materials obtained in WP1 and tailored for use with each specific biocomposite matrix and for different applications, such as structural and biomedical composites. WP4 studies the biopolymer synthes is starting from the materials obtained in WP1 and WP2 and targeting in their use in bioplastics and wood coatings. In WP5, 3D printing as a processing technology for structured nanocellulose-based composite products will be applied, using biopolymer-based filaments reinforced with nanocellulose as a starting material (obtained from WP1-4). The objective of WP6 is to assess the life-cycle environmental impacts of materials and products generated in WPs 1-5.
More information
Research info
Research title
ValBio-3D - Valorization of residual biomass for advanced 3D materials
Research timeline
1.10.2018 - 1.10.2018
Keywords
Bichemicals BioComposites Bioeconomy Lignocellulosic Resources
Region
Latin America
Countries
Argentina, Chile, Finland, Peru
Institution
Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT)
Helsinki, Finland
Funding instrument
Business Finland, Academy of Finland
Head of research
Dr. Maria Christina Area
Research team
Dr. Maria Christina Area, Dr. Gustavo Ciudad, Heli Kangas, Dr. Claudia Schirp, Dr. Gary Chinga Carrasco, Isabel Quispe, Marcelo Miguel Melnechuk, Gorm Bruland
Partners
Instituto de Materiales de Misiones (IMAM) UNaM-CONICET (Universidad Nacional de Misiones - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas), Argentina, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Finland, Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, WKI, Germany, Paper and Fibre Research Institute AS, Norway, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Peru, Biorefinery a Santa Ana, Argentina, ERIK HOEL AS, Norway
Contact information
Heli Kangas
+358400357233
Heli.Kangas@vtt.fi
Record last updated
5.11.2018