P13.9 – Cellulose mineralization via carbonation: a route for Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)
Mineralizing cellulose via carbonation is an emerging strategy for developing sustainable materials while capturing and utilizing CO₂. This process enables the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into hybrid organic-inorganic materials by facilitating CO₂ absorption in alkaline solutions, leading to the formation of reactive carbonates, bicarbonates, and carbamates. In the presence of calcium and magnesium, thermodynamically stable […]
P13.11 – Where are my wood-based clothes?
When it comes to environmental pollution, the fashion industry is often identified as a major contributor. In 2023, the global textile production reached 124 million tons, with synthetic (oi-based) fibers accounting for 67%, natural fibers for 26%, and man-made cellulosic fiber for 6%[1]. The overconsumption of oil and cotton creates significant environmental stress, including greenhouse […]
P13.10 – Sustainable Technology for Fabrication of Hydrophobic Cellulose Foam
Bio-based lightweight materials have attracted significant attention from both academia and industry as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials.1,2 Although some bio-based lightweight materials have been successfully studied so far, most of them are often not fully bio-based and their fabrication involve the use of organic solvent and sometimes complicated process. Here in we report the […]
P13.1 – Improving Material Circularity by Designing Twice-Renewable Epoxy Resin Dynamic Systems
Epoxy resins are valued for their strong adhesion, durability, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity. However, their reliance on bisphenol A (BPA) raises environmental and health concerns, and their crosslinked structure makes recycling difficult, often leading to incineration or landfill disposal. VITO’s SPOT group is enhancing epoxy resin sustainability through three strategies (Scheme 1). […]
P13.2 – Neutral and Alkaline Swelling Properties of Textile Cotton Waste- and Conventional Dissolving Pulps for Viscose Production
Regeneration of cellulose by means of a viscose process has been developed and optimized throughout the years for dissolving-pulp sources from special grade wood pulp and cotton linters. However, more recently, the undeniable environmental impact of the textile-industry has caused a growing urge for developing ways to tackle that pollution, such as the reuse of […]
P13.3 – Upcycling Agro-Food Waste into Advanced Mycelium Insulation: Insights into Structure, Mechanical Behavior, and Fire Performance
This study investigated the potential of mycelium-based biocomposites as sustainable insulation materials by employing Ganoderma lucidum to transform agro-food residues, including wheat bran, rice straw, and spent coffee grounds into medium-density composites with tunable mechanical and thermal properties. The influence of substrate composition, fermentation conditions and fungal growth dynamics on the final material properties was […]
P13.4 – Polymer mixtures of polylactic acid with biobased, chemically recyclable, and self-healing covalent adaptable networks (CANs)
Today, vehicle lightening is a major challenge to improve performance and reduce CO2 emissions. Among the possible initiatives, biobased materials like poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) have been proposed for realizing vehicle components. However, PLLA is generally characterized by poor durability, high brittleness, and poor flexibility. Improving these properties by employing additives presents limitations, as the system […]
P13.5 – Exploring Green Approaches to Cellulose Modification for Next-Generation Material Design
Green chemical modification of cellulose presents a unique challenge, particularly from the perspective of sustainable development. Many strategies commonly used in polymer chemistry cannot be directly transposed to this essential biopolymer in the search for alternatives to fossil-based materials. The absence of simple and environmentally friendly solvents for cellulose processing forces us to change our […]
P13.6 – Influence of lignin molecular weight and structure on the degradation of PLA/lignin blends
The high abundance and rich chemical structure of lignin attracts research towards its valorization. Incorporation of lignin in thermoplastics, such as polylactide (PLA), is an attractive strategy for reinforcement without reducing the bio-based content. In addition, lignin can provide additional functionalities such as antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The modification of lignin is usually necessary to […]
P13.7 – SYNTHESIS OF BIOBASED FLEXIBLE DYNAMIC POLYIMINE-AMIDE NETWORKS FOR CIRCULARITY
Plastics are one of the most important materials in our daily lives due to their versatility, cheap price, easy production and attractive properties. However, large production volumes and largely linear use create huge amounts of plastic waste and environmental pollution. New materials should be designed from biobased resources and with sustainable end-of-life management in mind […]
