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Title of the thesis: Scaling up the production of value-added biobased products to industrial scale

Thesis defender: Susanna Forssell
Opponent: Prof. Luiz Pereira Ramos, Federal University of Paraná, Brasil
Custos: Prof. Pekka Oinas, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering

Due to global challenges, such as climate change and depletion of fossil resources, interest in utilizing bio-based products for value-added applications is growing. Cellulose and lignin are abundantly available biopolymers, and as such, they are attractive raw materials for the production of bio-based materials. 

It has been proposed that epoxidized kraft lignin can be used as a coating or as a formaldehyde-free option to phenol-formaldehyde adhesives as it possesses fire- and water-resistant properties. In addition, cellulose nanocrystals have attractive properties, including their mechanical properties, adaptable surface chemistry, and optical transparency. Thus, they have been proposed for use in polymer reinforcements, nanocomposites or for packaging applications. Novel production methods for epoxidized kraft lignin and carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals have been demonstrated on a laboratory scale. The purpose of this research was to design industrial-scale production processes for these bio-based products and to conduct techno-economic analyses in order to evaluate the feasibility of the processes. 

KTH Innovation Readiness Level Analysis showed that the development of both processes is progressing in a relatively balanced matter. The readiness levels in KTH innovation readiness scale are high enough to state that both the processes have the potential to generate added value within the bioeconomy, making them promising candidates to be commercialized.

Keywords: techno-economic assessment, biomass valorization, lignin, cellulose nanocrystals

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at . 

Contact information: 
susanna.forssell@aalto.fi