Laboratory of biopolymer technology

Wood is Estonia's most important bio-based raw material, the skilful processing of which creates high added value, carbon binding products. Today, Estonian universities do not have a unified action plan and infrastructure for coordinated research and development (R&D) and for offering industrial solutions throughout the entire value chain. Therefore, the infrastructure is created for linking 14 structural units of 8 institutes of 3 universities. This synergy enables to carry out interdisciplinary, high quality R&D activities of wood valorisation. The infrastructure creates new opportunities for training young researchers and provides a strong base for international cooperation. An integrated contact point will be created for effective marketing of services of the infrastructure. R&D of the infrastructure covers mechanical, chemical, biochemical and thermochemical valorisation of primary and secondary wood and can take the Estonian wood science and industry to a new development level.

Cellulose is the most common biopolymer in the world, which can replace fossil-based plastics and fibers. However, cellulose-based plastics only account for 0.2% and man-made fibers for 1% of the world's production of plastics and non-natural textile fibers. Cellulose needs chemical modification to make these products. Until now, industry has been limited by environmental impact and cost of the process. Cellulose is also the most important biomaterial for Estonia, but industrial cellulose chemistry is limited here. At the same time, this industry gives the highest added value to cellulose. As the biorefineries, output of which is cellulose, are vigorously developing in Estonia, this project develops technology of reactive extrusion, with which cellulose can be valorized in a sustainable manner using residues from production of vegetable oils. The project strengthens cooperation between companies and academy, increases competence in the field, and contributes to academic succession.

Sustainable thermoplastic polymers are developed and investigated to partly or fully replace non-renewable-resources-based materials for melt processing technologies. Cellulose appears to be a nearly unlimited renewable resource for polymeric materials. Discovery of dissolution processes of cellulose in ionic liquids opens several new routes for functionalization. Thermoplastic cellulose derivatives can be prepared without use of plasticizers, by attaching long-chain ester branches to the macromolecule of cellulose. Effect of functionalization agents and conditions in medium of ionic liquids on rheology, crystallization behaviour, morphology and mechanical properties of the novel thermoplastic materials is investigated. A laboratory line for pilot production of the novel thermoplastic materials will be started. Producing and processing parameters of the novel materials will be clarified for further commodity applications.