WP OBJECTIVES

• To develop novel PP or PE nanocomposites with cellulose nanofibers,
• To develop improved methods and microalgae strains for larger scale production of Omega 3 oils, EPA/DHA and β-glucans,
• To develop high value non-energetic uses of lignin and aromatic compounds,
• To provide operating data and mass and energy flow to WP5 and WP7.

WP ACTIVITIES

Nanocellulose Fibers and Composites
a) Sourcing and characterisation of materials; Nanocellulose fibres, compatibalizers, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) (also know as polypropene and polythene respectively).
b) Technology development for nanofibers-PP nanocomposites and nanofiber-PE nanocomposites; Distribution and dispersion of nanofibres in polymer matrix with use of compatibilizers or chemical modification of cellulose surface.
c) Demonstration in pilot and upscale; Development of recipes and processing on standard equipment, e.g. injection moulding and blown film extrusion, testing of produced specimen demonstrating improved properties in nanocellulosic composites.
d) Market study on most promising concepts; identify ”sweet spots” for nanocellulosic composites and potential sizes.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and β-Glucans (beta-glucans) from Algae
a) Screening of different microalgae strains; Listing of most promising algae strains with regards to omega 3 and ß-glucans content for first screening.
b) Sample production; Analysis of omega 3 and ß-glucans content and selection of strains for pilot PBR test.
c) Small pilot PBR production; Determination of optimum growth factors in highly automated and controlled photobioreactor (PBR).
d) Full scale production test; Additional testing and conclusion on optimal extraction method.

Lignin Recovery, Fractionation and Analysis
a) Fractionation of lignin; laboratory tests for ultrafiltration, upscaled ultrafiltration, Solubility information, improvement of solubility and fractionation with organic solvents, recovery of lignin.
b) Characterisation of lignin products; Development of analytical methods, verification of results and decisions, characterisation of lignin samples, selection of promising samples.

Healthcare Products and Nanomaterials from Lignin
a) Healthcare products; decisions on samples selection, screening tests on biological activity.
b) Colloidal nanolignin dispersions; water based dispersions, dispersions based on organic solvents, identification of fractions giving best particle sizes, application of selected methods an samples for upscaling.
c) Engineering of surface active substances from lignin – nanoemulsions; optimization of droplet size, testing of samples produced in the project.

Integration of Lignin Extraction into Biorefinery Models
a) Process integration for the lignin related aspects.
b) Models for biorefineries including lignin non energy uses.

WP EXPECTED RESULTS
Develop high value added products within plastic nanocomposites, functional food ingredients and healthcare products based on renewable resources.