PROcesses for DiAlcohol Cellulose PROduction - ProDAC

Research Project, 2021 – 2024

Purpose and goal
The purpose of ProDAC is to increase the competence of the forest industry and enable large-scale production of thermoplastic fibers by improving the processes, as well as demonstrating their use in melt processes while all sidestreams from the process are taken care of to increase the total yield. The goal is to: * train two people which can drive relevant research and development forward * demonstrate a much more resource-efficient process for the production of dialcoholcellulose * improve the process for thermoforming parts * demonstrate parts with improved moisture resistance

Expected results and effects
ProDAC´s focus on side stream processing, dewatering of the modified cellulose and subsequent material processing, can contribute to a bio-based economy by developing improved and more energy efficient processes, with lower water consumption in the process. Further, ProDAC can contribute to the UN´s sustainability goals through reduced consumption of water and energy. A sustainable change from fossil-based plastics to cellulose-based plastics would have a positive impact on climate change and contribute to a reduction in the amount of non-degradable plastics in the oceans.

Planned approach and implementation
The project consists of four work packages (WP): WP1 Separation processes - dewatering of the modified pulp and reprocessing of cellulosic material from side streams WP2 Melt processing - focus on the melt process and property requirements for the material in the process (eg dry content) WP3 Chemical modification - Supports WP1 and WP2 with modifications and with improved functional properties (moisture resistance) WP4 Coordination - coordination of the project and production of demonstrators The project period is 34 months, starting 2021-11-01