The overall mission of WWSC is to create opportunities for a new and sustainable forest industry by building a first class research center. The objective is to build a competence platform aimed towards New materials from trees. This includes associated processing routes, where large volume applications are of particular interest. To meet the objectives, a comprehensive research program has been defined. This program is organized in 5 themes, where Theme 1 starts with the tree (primarily spruce, pine, birch and aspen). The tree is viewed as a renewable resource from which building blocks for new materials can be extracted. Theme 1 deals with identification of new building blocks (chemicals, biopolymers, strong fibers), and development of processing approaches, including chemo-enzymatic routes.
The other themes (2-5) start with building blocks from Theme 1 and develop these further into new material concepts. Theme 2 has focus on biopolymers, for instance used as barriers, coatings and as bioplastics. Wood modified by chemical or physical means for hygromechanical performance is also researched in a sub-group of Theme 2. Theme 3 concerns fibers and fibrous materials. This includes man-made fibers (regenerated cellulose, carbon fibers) as well as porous fiber materials used for instance in liquid absorption applications. Theme 4 is on biocomposites, including engineering biocomposites for synthetic composites and plastics substitution. Biocomposites from cellulose nanofibers is an important thrust. Research on nanostructured functional composites is carried out, where nanocelluloses and hybrid organic/inorganic approaches are important.
Integration between the themes is ensured by sharing of generic technology platforms and by coordinated research efforts on building blocks of particular interest. Examples include various forms of nanocellulose, new biopolymers, and new wood-based fibers. These building blocks are modified and assembled in various combinations in order to create new materials with improved functions.
Research
The overall mission of WWSC is to create opportunities for a new and sustainable forest industry by building a first class research center. The objective is to build a competence platform aimed towards New materials from trees. This includes associated processing routes, where large volume applications are of particular interest. To meet the objectives, a comprehensive research program has been defined. This program is organized in 5 themes, where Theme 1 starts with the tree (primarily spruce, pine, birch and aspen). The tree is viewed as a renewable resource from which building blocks for new materials can be extracted. Theme 1 deals with identification of new building blocks (chemicals, biopolymers, strong fibers), and development of processing approaches, including chemo-enzymatic routes.
The other themes (2-5) start with building blocks from Theme 1 and develop these further into new material concepts. Theme 2 has focus on biopolymers, for instance used as barriers, coatings and as bioplastics. Wood modified by chemical or physical means for hygromechanical performance is also researched in a sub-group of Theme 2. Theme 3 concerns fibers and fibrous materials. This includes man-made fibers (regenerated cellulose, carbon fibers) as well as porous fiber materials used for instance in liquid absorption applications. Theme 4 is on biocomposites, including engineering biocomposites for synthetic composites and plastics substitution. Biocomposites from cellulose nanofibers is an important thrust. Research on nanostructured functional composites is carried out, where nanocelluloses and hybrid organic/inorganic approaches are important.
Integration between the themes is ensured by sharing of generic technology platforms and by coordinated research efforts on building blocks of particular interest. Examples include various forms of nanocellulose, new biopolymers, and new wood-based fibers. These building blocks are modified and assembled in various combinations in order to create new materials with improved functions.