Biobased Materials Technology
The biobased materials technology group (BIOMAT) lead by Prof. Thaddeus Maloney carries out research related to the development of next generation fiber products. Our target is to develop material-based technologies which enable the renewal of the paper and board industries.
Research themes
Nanomaterial applications in fiber products
The BIOMAT team is developing nanomaterial applications for various fiber products. Especially, we are focused on technologies which have potentially large scale applications at an attractive cost structure.
Nanopapers and NFC/MFC production
"Nanopapers" refers to paper grades where nanocellulose is a major structural component. Nanopapers have very different, and often superior properties than traditional grades of paper. We are working on nanocellulose production, suspension processing and nanopaper forming and dewatering issues.
Graphene/nanocellulose composites
We are developing graphene/nanocellulose composites for various electrical applications.
Starch/PCC hybrid pigments
Our team is also working with other materials, such as carbohydrate-inorganic hybrid pigments for paper applications.
Porous cellulosic materials
The BIOMAT team is working on porous cellulosic materials. Lignocellulosic fibers and assemblies of nanocelluloses and other forms of cellulose have a fascinating pore structure that can be exploited in a number of product applications. This includes; liquid and gas phase absorbents, hygienic products and phase change composites for construction applications. In the world of porous materials, lignocellulosics are today very under represented. This work includes the development of cutting-edge techniques for measuring fiber, nanofiber and cellulose composite pore structure. We are also working on ways to modulate and stabilize the porosity of cellulosic materials and composites.
Fibre pore structure and reactivity
In this work we are attempting to determine how fiber pore structure and reactivity are linked. New rheology-based reactivity measurement methods are being developed.
Novel thermoporosimetry techniques
New approaches to thermoporosimetry are being developed including techniques based on unusual transformations of salts and solvents in confined geometries.
Porous nanopapers
In this area of research we are developing methods for producing high surface area and highly porous papers from nanocellulose-based furnishes.
Examples of ongoing research projects
- Nanoform
- POROFIBRE (Academy of Finland)
Publications
Contact information
Thaddeus Maloney
Professor
thaddeus.maloney [at] aalto [dot] fi
+358 50 599 5602
Postal address:
PL 16300,
FI-00076 AALTO
Visiting address:
Vuorimiehentie 1, 02150 Espoo