Cellulosic Nanomaterials
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APPTI promotes the development of knowledge and techniques that can enable companies to develop new products and innovative features in existing products. The application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the paper and forest industry is a primary focal point for this work group, with a special emphasis on cellulosic nanomaterials.
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Cellulose Nanofibrils
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Cellulose Nanocrystals
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Pilot plant at US Forest Service Products Laboratory
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Goal and Strategy
Facilitate commercial development of cellulose nanomaterials for a broad range of applications through development of pre-competitive methods and technologies.
Responsibly and efficiently moving cellulose nanomaterial through RD&D requires efforts in the following areas:
Responsibly and efficiently moving cellulose nanomaterial through RD&D requires efforts in the following areas:
- Stimulate Research and Promote Funding
- Drying/Dewatering, Composites, Characterization
- Educate the Influencers; Promote Team Priorities
- Develop a Nanocellulose National Network
R&D Needs
Research to Enable Application:
High-Priority Initiative
State of Science Review Papers
Development of “State of Science Review” papers to identify specific knowledge gaps in parameters critical to project development for improving drying and dewatering and application in composites.
Status: As of October 2017, six industry companies have agreed to contribute funding and in-kind cost-share. Two national laboratories and the US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory will contribute in-kind cost-share. Results will guide a workshop in Spring/summer 2018 to develop RFP’s and proposals focused on addressing the R&D needs.
Research to Enable Application:
- Determine composite systems, resins that will work with cellulose nanomaterials, conventional polymers and/or biodegradable varieties
- Develop other strategies for using nanocellulose in composite materials
- Develop an economically viable dewatering and drying method that allows for re-dispersion
- Develop the ability to measure and characterize particle morphology and particle size
- Development of rapid, low-cost measurement methods for control
High-Priority Initiative
State of Science Review Papers
Development of “State of Science Review” papers to identify specific knowledge gaps in parameters critical to project development for improving drying and dewatering and application in composites.
Status: As of October 2017, six industry companies have agreed to contribute funding and in-kind cost-share. Two national laboratories and the US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory will contribute in-kind cost-share. Results will guide a workshop in Spring/summer 2018 to develop RFP’s and proposals focused on addressing the R&D needs.