PDEng - High performance cellulose based films at University of Twente in Holland

The project focusses on the development of cellulose films provided with barrier functionality against gasses, humidity, grease and providing seal-ability, produced in a total new way. There are many plastics like e.g. BOPP with partial or full barrier performance, which are used as packaging material in the food industry. It is generally known that plastics are under pressure in relation to the public opinion related to issues like the plastic soup or the use of fossil sources and because of upcoming regulations like the Single Use of Plastics. The goal of this project is to develop a bio-based packaging material as an alternative for plastics by use of new techniques. Focus of the project will be on the development of a suitable raw material for cellulose films as well as on the process for producing the film. Also the development of different barrier functionalities will be a key element in this project. A paper producer in the Netherlands is carrying the research. Facilities to process plastics such as extrusion blowing will be used to find the optimum balance between settings of the machine, type and amount of fillers and film characteristics. Additional processes will be evaluated in order to improve the barrier properties of the film.

Further details:
PDEng --High performance cellulose based films at University of Twente in Holland