ERA-NET LAC II - Valorization of residual biomass for advanced 3D materials

The ValBio-3D project developed efficient technologies for production of sustainable and 100% bio-based materials from agro-industrial residues. The goal was to address the bio-economy of the future, based on cost-efficient production of biochemicals, bioplastics, biocomposites and tailor-made nanocelluloses. RISE PFI has implemented a 3D printing laboratory for extrusion of biocomposite filaments and for 3D printing. The method implemented for 3D printing has been tested in various joint activities with master and PhD students from national and international universities. The project has contributed to establishing a new fiber modification procedure for reducing the water uptake in biocomposites. In the last period we focused on 3D printing of nanocellulose and biocomposites composed of bioplastic and fibers. The project promoted i) the appropriate use of agro-industrial waste for creating value-added biomaterials and ii) novel technologies for structuring biocomposites based on 3D (bio)printing. The environmental lifecycle impacts of biocomposites are important to assess. This has been performed and the results will be published.

Virkninger - Prosjektpartnerne i ValBio-3D prosjektet har bygget opp ny kompetanse om biobaserte polymerer og nanocellulose gjennom internasjonalt forskningssamarbeid. - Prosjektpartnerne har i tillegg fått ny kunnskap om bruk av biokompositter til 3D-trykking. Effekter - Våre nasjonale aktiviteter fokuserte på 3D trykking av biokompositter og inkluderte i) nanocellulose og ii) fiber og bioplast. - Nanocellulosen ble laget fra bagasse, og vi testet nye metoder til å få fram en kvalitet som ikke var cytotoksisk. Dette ble oppnådd og har bidratt til å bygge den nasjonale kompetansen om nanocellulose til bruk i sårbandasje. Nye initiativer i denne retningen ble satt i gang mellom RISE PFI og norsk industri. - Kunnskapen vi bygget opp om ulike biobaserte plaster og fiber har bidratt til å sette i gang nye initiativer med norsk industri hvor produksjon av biokompositter blir realisert i Norge. Dette kan åpne for nye forretningsmuligheter for norsk treforedlingsindustri.

The ValBio3D project will develop efficient technologies for production of sustainable and 100% bio-based materials from agro-industrial residues, addressing the bio-economy of the future, and based on cost-efficient production of biochemicals, bioplastics, biocomposites and tailor-made nanocelluloses. One of the main research areas in this project is the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources by emphasising the utilization of agro-industrial residues in self-sustainable biorefineries. Such objectives require a good and well-established cooperation between key European and Latin American research institutions, and close contact with relevant industry. This proposal fulfils such requirements by promoting joint research of high international quality on biomass resources available in Latin America and Europe. Lignocellulosic resources are expected to play a key role in the production of novel and biodegradable materials, reducing the negative environmental impact of oil-derived products and thus addressing the bioeconomy of the future. Proper utilization of lignocellulosic raw materials requires a suitable separation of the corresponding components, i.e. cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin for environmentally sound nanomaterials, bioenergy and biochemical production. Such an approach requires the development of effective biorefinery concepts. Research on agroindustrial lignocellulosic resources will thus be of high importance to the European and Latin American community in general. Hence, this initiative will promote i) the appropriate use of agro-industrial waste for creating value-added biomaterials and ii) novel technologies for structuring biocomposites based on 3D (bio)printing. The environmental lifecycle impacts of biocomposites will be assessed. The project will create a knowledge platform for European academia and industry on Latin American biomass resources, thus giving new opportunities for research, development and investments.