The concept of circular economy is increasingly becoming an important driving force for innovations. Effective use of materials enables the creation of more value, both by cost savings and by developing new markets or growing existing ones. In the frame of the Slovenian national smart specialization program CELLCYCLE, under priority area Natural and traditional resources for the future – Networks for the transition to circular economy, we are focusing on the use of discarded local biomass for the development of advanced functional materials, i.e. bio-composites for electronics, construction and textile the industry. Isolated natural species, i.e. cellulose fibres (from micro to nano-size dimensions) are used and modified, creating desired functional properties. The main focus is given on designing and constructing a variety of 3D fiber-based materials following multiple paths (i) construction of aerogels from micro- and nano-fibrillated cellulose, with special attention given to the elaboration of cost effective preparation procedures; resultant aerogels will possess suitable mechanical stability with required porosity and pore size, (ii) formation of 3D nonwovens, focusing on pore size reduction and enhancement of the active surface.

Biomass potential for the development of advanced materials and bio-based products

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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