Nanocellulose production method based on a novel green solvent
Summary
This new method consists of using newly-designed, less environmentally-aggressive solvents in a novel, sustainable chemical process to obtain nano-crystalline cellulose. The purpose of this method is to develop a sustainable chemical for use in industrial processes, yielding considerable energy and cost savings and improvements in the properties of the products manufactured with the material.
The nanocellulose produced under this method is light, strong and rigid, has a high strength coefficient in terms of its weight, and remains stable when exposed to temperature changes. Finally, it is intrinsically renewable and environmentally-friendly since it is derived from cellulose—a raw material/by-product produced at plants in large quantities every year.
Potential Applications
Generally speaking, this innovation can be used in any industry that uses nanocellulose, such as paper production, packaging, the plastics industry and the paint industry.
Development Status
TRL2: Technology concept formulated
Advantages
- Energy Savings
- Cost Savings
- Sustainable chemical for use in industrial processes
- Nanocellulose with improved thermal properties
Intellectual Property
Patent Application No. PCT/CL2020/050088 pending.
Opportunity
Looking for commercial partners interested in collaborating on the development and subsequent licensing of the technology for commercial sale on the Chilean domestic market and international markets.
Researcher
Mauricio Isaacs, School of Chemistry