1 August, 2012 - 08:27
The discovery of novel solvent systems for cellulose opens up new approaches to cellulose derivatization
Researcher Sara R. Labafzadeh takes part in the research program FuBio JR2 (Future Biorefinery–Joint Research 2) of Forestcluster Ltd. The goal of the program is to build globally competitive knowledge platforms for the creation of new value chains between wood and markets such as packaging, clothing and performance materials. The work package is led by Ilkka Kilpeläinen from University of Helsinki.
The goal of Sara’s doctoral study is to carry out research on modification of cellulose and pulp. Chemically modification of cellulose can alter its properties and processability which can be further utilized in various fields, e.g. synthetic fibers, films, adhesives and explosives.
Derivatization can be carried out either homogenously or heterogeneously. The challenge for homogeneous modification is that cellulose is insoluble in most common organic solvents. The idea “dissolve first-react later” has limited the use of cellulose as a cheap starting material due to the costly and environmentally unfriendly solvent systems. However, it has been investigated in the first article that acylation of cellulose can be carried out under heterogeneous conditions to obtain highly substituted derivatives. When cellulose or pulp is suspended in dry pyridine and stirred under heating with aliphatic or aromatic acid chlorides, cellulose esters with high degree of substitution are obtained through reactive dissolution. The poor solubility of unmodified cellulose in pyridine is accepted as such and the reaction is started as a heterogeneous mixture. Progress of the reaction makes the product soluble and thus drives the reaction forward. She is currently applying the reactive dissolution strategy to produce other cellulose derivatives such as cellulose carbamates and charged derivatives. In the future, she will also try to design and synthesize new ionic liquids for functionalization of cellulose. “Cellulose is a cheap renewable resource for production of novel biodegradable polymers which can compete with fossil-based ones if researchers can design and build economically feasible and environmentally friendly solvent systems" says Sara.
In 2005, Sara graduated from Mechanical Engineering in Iran. After a few years working in Iran, Sara and her husband decided to continue their education in one of the Nordic countries, since they have heard of high-quality education system in these countries. In 2009, Sara got her master degree in Chemical Engineering in Sweden. Her master thesis deals with production of bioethanol from construction and demolition lignocellulose wastes. She came to Finland in January 2010 to start her PhD studies at University of Helsinki, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry.
When not working, Sara spends time with her husband. She likes swimming and watching movies.
2 May, 2012 - 09:48
Foam forming enables novel structure in paper-like materials
Researcher Ahmad Al-Qararah currently working on the research program EffNet (Efficient Networking towards Novel Products and Processes) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The work package focuses on expand paper and board properties with new resource-efficient furnish and technology concepts and foam forming is one of them. Novel fibrous paper-like structures can be formed using foam as the material carrier instead of water. The modeling research task is led by Jukka Ketoja from VTT.
The goal of Ahmad’s doctoral study is to carry out research on Foam Physics. As a part of EffNet modeling Ahmad simulates together with David Vidal from FPInnovations in Canada the rheological properties of nano-fibrillar cellulose suspensions. They intend to apply similar simulation methods later to foam-fibre systems.
The bubble size distribution of foam as a function of many parameters was determined in his first article. In the same article, the pore size distribution was investigated also. The size of these pores is affected by the sizes of the bubbles in the foam. Overall, pore size distribution is more strongly affected by the fibre type than by small changes in bubble size distribution.
Foam forming is an interesting new technology to make paper-like materials. This research shows an important interaction between added fibers and foam. Foam forming leads to many positive effects. The fibres inside the foam are locked between the foam bubbles, and thus do not flock during transportation. This provides better formation and allows the usage of higher consistency stock. "Foam physics is a new physics. I would like to investigate the fundamental phenomena related to foam forming" says Ahmad.
In 2011, Ahmad graduated from Al-Balqa Applied University in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. His Master's thesis considers nuclear and radiation physics. He came to Finland last autumn to start his PhD studies at VTT graduate school.
When not working, Ahmad likes to swim and going to sauna to relax.
2 April, 2012 - 14:51
Important input from industry and co-operation with experts in different fields benefit the international researcher in Finland
Researcher Marc Borrega takes part in the research program FuBio JR2 (Future Biorefinery –Joint Research 2) of Forestcluster Ltd. The goal of the program is to build globally competitive knowledge platforms for the creation of new value chains between wood and markets such as packaging, clothing and performance materials. The work package, to which Marc’s current work belongs, WP1, is led by Risto Korpinen from Åbo Akademi University.
The goal of Marc’s work is to produce hemicellulose-free pulps from birch wood by a hot water extraction in subcritical conditions followed by a mild pulping process, without the need for an additional caustic purification step as required in the production of dissolving pulps. These pulps are mainly used to manufacture regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g. to make textiles or films) and different cellulose acetate products. Another goal of the research is to evaluate the potential of the hot water extraction to recover sugars and sugar-derived products.
Results from FuBio 1 showed that hot water extractions above 180 °C favor the quantitative removal of hemicelluloses, whereas the cellulose yield is mostly unaffected. In a subsequent mild pulping process, a highly purified cellulosic pulp can be obtained. The challenge is to optimize the hot water extraction and subsequent pulping to produce hemicellulose-free pulp in high yield. “Shorter processes and use of fewer chemicals can be economically beneficial as well as environmentally friendly" says Marc.
Hot water extractions at elevated temperatures require short extraction times, in order to avoid extensive degradation of the wood material. For this purpose, a unique shrinking-bed reactor, paid by Forestcluster Ltd., has been designed and installed at the Department of Forest Products Technology of Aalto University. The equipment, capable of operating up to 300 °C and 130 bar, is currently being tested.
In 2003, Marc graduated from Forest Engineering at University of Lleida, Spain. In 2011, he obtained his PhD degree from University of Eastern Finland. His doctoral thesis deals with heat treatments and high-temperature drying of wood.
When not working, Marc spends time with his fiancée. He likes travelling and mounting biking.
2 March, 2012 - 14:04
The recycling process of ionic liquids enables sustainable development
Researcher Hanna Valkama takes part in a research program FuBio Cellulose (Future Biorefinery – Products from Dissolved Cellulose) of Forestcluster Ltd. The program focuses on promoting the exploitability of wood cellulose in novel product areas. The researchers study cellulose pulp dissolution and regeneration to fibres from both ionic liquids and water-based systems. The work package is led by Terhi Hakala from VTT.
The goal of Hanna’s work is to find suitable membranes to separate ionic liquids from water using pervaporation. The challenge is that some membranes do not tolerate ionic liquids. Ionic liquids can degrade the structure of the membrane or even the membrane can dissolve into ionic liquid. Pervaporation is an application of membrane techniques where the volatile component can be separated from the non-volatile component using pressure difference. In pervaporation the volatile component evaporates and permeates through the membrane simultaneously due to vacuum on the permeate side. In this application, water evaporates through the membrane. Thus water can be separated from ionic liquid and water does not accumulate in the process. The ionic liquid can be recycled back to the cellulose dissolution process which decreases the consumption of chemicals. Ionic liquids are efficient solvents. In addition they are more environmental friendly than organic solvents. The research has just started and the subject is challenging but very interesting. “The most important thing is the novelty value of the research which enables good possibilities to publications, new applications and inventions" says Hanna.
The most important goal of Hanna’s work is to separate ionic liquid from water using pervaporation and find optimal operation conditions for pervaporation. In addition, the goal is to develop, together with the Lappeenranta University of Technology, the recycling process of ionic liquids. The final goal is the efficient and sustainable method. Pervaporation is a promising separation and purification method for biorefineries and other industries where there is a need for purification of ionic liquids.
In 2010, Hanna graduated as Master of Science in environmental engineering from the University of Oulu. Her Master's thesis studied the separation of metals from industrial wastewaters.
When not working, Hanna spends time orienteering in forests in summer time and in winter time she dances ballet. The remaining time she spends with her husband and friends.
1 February, 2012 - 07:42
Intelligent Operator Tutoring Systems for Wood Harvesting increases productivity
Researcher Sami Lamminen takes part in a research program EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre supply) WP3 of Forestcluster Ltd. The work package focuses on intelligent operator tutoring systems for wood harvesting. The goal is to bring exact information about the distribution of the trees, the topography, the trafficability of strip roads and the location of timber on harvesting site which eases the forest machine operator’s decision making process for wood harvesting. The project is led by Jarmo Hämäläinen from Metsäteho Oy.
The goal of Sami’s work is to improve the pre-planning of strip road network and timber hauling. Modern technology offers possibility to illustrate new information on map for forest machine operator. It is possible to calculate the slope of terrain and the distribution of trees of logging site. It is possible also to create 3D-map of terrain with the characteristics of new information sources. The other goal of the project is to develop a trafficability map of strip road network which illustrates the bearing capacity of strip roads. The bearing capacity of strip roads is valuable information for forwarder operator. Forest machine operator needs a lot of work experience. Especially young, inexperienced operators, starting their career call for a long learning period in order to get adjusted in practical conditions and to operate economically where the planning of work is in a big role. “Operators’ productivity varies widely depending on experience. More advanced operator is more productive. The purpose of the intelligent operator tutoring systems for wood harvesting is especially to increase the productivity of inexperienced operators" says Sami.
This research is the continuation of earlier research in EffTech program. The focus of “Less is more” –project was wood harvesting at peat lands in summer time. The amount of timber harvesting should be stable around the year in forest industry’s point of view but because of weak bearing capacity the harvesting at peat lands has been possible only during the winter time. The results from the earlier research have been utilized in this research.
In 2009, Sami graduated from the University of Joensuu. His Master's thesis considers the rut formation of strip roads on peat land during wood harvesting operations.
When not working, Sami spends time with his family who includes his wife as well as three small children. He also likes to swim and to play volleyball and badminton.
2 January, 2012 - 08:29
First doctoral thesis started in FuBio program now ready
Researcher Juho Sirviö takes part in both FuBio research programs FuBio JR2 (Future Biorefinery - Joint Research 2) and FuBio Cellulose (Future Biorefinery – Products from Dissolved Cellulose) of Forestcluster Ltd. The work package concentrates on reactive improvement of cellulose during periodate oxygenation. Work group is led by Osmo Hormi from the University of Oulu.
The goal of Juho’s work is to make more efficient reaction using periodate oxidation. More efficient reaction is possible using mechanical grinding, higher temperature and salts. New matter in this research is the simultaneous grinding of cellulose with periodate oxidation which enables better prehensile the surface of cellulose for chemicals to attach to. Also reaction time matters. The goal is to produce dialdehyde cellulose that has different properties than common cellulose. Because of this fact, the use of dialdehyde cellulose is much wider than common cellulose. "Cellulose is the renewable natural resource and excellent start for environmentally friendly chemistry" says Juho.
The purpose of this work package is to produce particle form flocculation chemicals from dialdehyde cellulose. Flocculation chemicals are polymers which have usually positive or negative charge. They are used e.g. the cleaning of water and paper production. Chemicals tie together noxious particles into aggregates which can easily be removed from water. Research group also creates barrier materials e.g. food packaging and new type of fiber filters using dialdehyde cellulose.
In 2011, Juho graduated from the University of Oulu. His doctoral thesis considers improvement of birch cellulose periodate oxidation and further modification of flocculation chemical.
When not working, Juho spends time reading and playing different types of computer games. He also enjoys his common-law wife’s accompanying at home.
1 December, 2011 - 08:08
Image based measurement guarantees efficient production technologies and better quality for tissue paper
Researcher Jukka-Pekka Raunio is working at the research program EffNet (Efficient Networking towards Novel Products and Processes) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The project focuses on optimization of tissue making process and increasing the quality of tissue paper. Kemira Oyj has very active role as chemical supplier in this work package which is lead by Seppo Virtanen from UPM-Kymmene Corporation. At Tampere University of Technology two research groups (measurement information and image based measurement) are involved lead by Risto Ritala and Heimo Ihalainen.
The goal of Jukka-Pekka’s work is to optimize chemical usage in the tissue paper machine. In this research, the focus is to figure out how chemicals and different process components impact on the features of tissue paper estimated from images of paper. In addition the other goal is to optimize chemical usage without the loss of quality features of soft paper. Chemicals impact on i.e. the softness of tissue paper. Softness is created using the yankee cylinder, where dry paper is creped away from the surface of yankee creating the typical structure called crepe bar for tissue paper. Creping has an impact on paper softness and other features of tissue paper. Creping properties are estimated based on images. "Images tell much more of the structure of paper than the normal quality measurements" says Jukka-Pekka.
At the moment, the measurements are offline but the purpose is to move towards online measurement equipment. Reliable offline measurement technique is a giant leap compared to the current measurement technique, which is subjective and very slow.
In 2006, Jukka-Pekka graduated from Tampere University of Technology. His Master's thesis considers cross directional paper shrinkage based on the wire marking estimated from paper images.
When not working, Jukka-Pekka plays with his two small children and plays floorball.
1 November, 2011 - 09:20
New technology is needed to improve cost-effectiveness of mechanized silviculture
Researcher Markus Strandström is working at the research program EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre supply) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The project focuses on technological and logistical solutions of forest operations needed in the intensified wood production and harvesting. The project is led by Jarmo Hämäläinen from Metsäteho Oy.
The goal of Markus’s work is to evaluate the productivity and cost-effectiveness of machines developed for planting and pre-commercial thinning compared to motor-manual forest work.
The portion of mechanized planting is at the moment 2-3% and mechanized young stand tending is even smaller portion. Metsäteho and Metla joint calculations show that mechanized planting and stand tending can reduce the manpower requirements of the forest sector. The cost calculations were based on the prices of new base machines and devices. In young stand tending as a whole, the manpower requirement of the Naarva uprooter was as much as 60 % lower than manual tending. On the other hand, mechanized silviculture does not currently bring cost savings in general. Next generation machinery and solutions are needed. “Invocation of developed automation technology has high expectations" says Markus.
In the other two work packages, research is concentrated on the possibilities of these technologies. The other research part concentrates on developing the continuously working planting machine and to figure out the best place for planting using camera and laser scanner technologies. The other research concentrates developing further automation technologies, which can speed up young stand tending and reduce the burden of the driver. In these researches in addition to Metsäteho also Aalto University and Metla are involved.
In 1997, Markus graduated from University of Helsinki. His Master's thesis considers landscape management and biodiversity in forestry planning.
When not working, Markus do rock climbing.
3 October, 2011 - 08:53
The usage of byproducts from industrial processes saves non-renewable resources
Researcher Outi Koivistoinen is working at the research program FuBio JR2 (Future Biorefinery – Joint Research 2) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The work package focuses on the separation of marketable organic acids from black liquor and for the microbial modification of sugar compounds in order to produce organic acids. The part of the work covering metabolic engineering of the microbes is done in the Cell factory knowledge center at VTT Technical Research Center of Finland where Outi is working together with principal scientist Peter Richard.
The goal of Outi’s work is to utilize byproducts from industrial processes. With the help of microbes (e.g. yeasts and molds), sugar containing compounds like lignocellulose are degraded. Metabolic engineering is used to modify microbes in order to produce the desired end-products. Normally, the microbes do not produce at all or not in sufficient amounts for industrial purposes. The modified microbes produce chemical compounds that can further be used as raw materials for biopolymers. The replacement of oil by field residues, byproducts from industrial processes and other plant materials can help reduce both industry dependence on fossil raw materials and carbon dioxide emissions. At the moment byproducts from industrial processes are seen of no value and business opportunities for byproducts are neglected. There are no comparable applications in the market. "This is definitely a future research area and co-operation possibilities are excellent" says Outi.
The goal of the work package is to further develop the fermentation-based technology for the production of carboxylic acid. During the fermentation process microbes naturally produce chemical compounds in their metabolic processes. Metabolic engineering makes it possible to produce different end-products, which in this case is a carboxylic acid. The goal of the project is to develop potential commercial applications from these acids. This research area strengthens the trend for a sustainable environment.
In 2008, Outi graduated as microbiologist from the University of Helsinki. Her Master's thesis was about the L-rhamnose-1-dehydrogenase gene and L-rhamnose catabolism in the yeast Pichia stipitis.
When not working, Outi plays with her two cats and does different types of sports.
1 September, 2011 - 08:07
Intensive wood production gives possibilities to development of paper quality
Researcher Sari Liukkonen is working at the research program EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre supply) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The aim of the work package is to identify ecologically sustainable, the most cost-efficient and feasible ways to increase the production of domestic biomaterial with high utility value for current and future forest industry. Jari Hynynen from Metla leads this work package.
The goal of Sari’s work is to study the impact of wood, produced by intensive forest management, on mechanical pulping and paper making. Fertilization and thinning are methods for faster growth of wood. The properties of wood change when it grows faster, e.g. wood density is lower and fibers are shorter and thin-walled. TMP pulp from fast-growth wood has poorer strength properties than pulp from slower growth wood. On the other hand, thin-walled fibers give better optical properties and smoothness of the paper surface.
Fast-growth wood has more early wood and its color is lighter than that of late wood rich slow-growth raw material. This can be utilized as better brightness of the end product or as lower bleaching costs of mechanical pulp. The production of mechanical pulp consumes a lot of energy and fast-growth wood consumes even more energy to certain refining level than slower growing wood. As the result from this research, there is better understanding about the usability of fast-growth wood and the possibilities of intensive wood production. These results can be utilized in future forest management.
Sari works also in other work package called Next generation mechanical defibration process (NextGen) in EffTech program. The objective of this work package is to develop solutions to enable significant reduction in mechanical pulping specific energy consumption. She had a presentation concerning this subject at IMPC 2011 conference in June in China. There were total 4 EffTech presentations and one poster from VTT. “Our presentations arouse great interest and were praised by the international audience. We will be in on organizing the next conference in Helsinki 2014.” Sari tells.
In 1992, Sari graduated from Aalto University of Technology as Master of Science and 1999 finalized her licentiate’s degree. Her licentiate thesis considers the usage of enzymes in mechanical pulp production.
When not working, Sari likes to enjoy the nature and reading.