The aim of CLS Sodalitas is the development, production and sale of cellulose nanoparticles (CNs), made from agricultural biomass, rubble and cellulose-based waste and by-products of the paper, textiles and agri-food industries.
The aim of CLS Sodalitas is the development, production and sale of cellulose nanoparticles (CNs), made from agricultural biomass, rubble and cellulose-based waste and by-products of the paper, textiles and agri-food industries.
one which associates preparation, transformation, purification and functionalisation steps to a mechanical process, to achieve the extraction of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs)
and a second which exploits chemical hydrolosis, associated with operations for preparation, transformation, purification and functionlalisation to create cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)
From cellulose macrofibres to nanocrystals Smaller than natural fibres, larger than the essential molecular unit: cellobiose disaccharide.
The micro-nanofibers production is achieved by the high pressure homogenization process which causes the disintegration of the cellulose macro-fibers dispersed in water and releases the nanofibers. Micro-nanofibers are narrow bundles of long chains of amorphous or semi-crystalline cellulose. They have diameters in the range from 3 to 100nm and lengths that can reach tens of µm, their thermal expansion is as low as that of quartz, while their mechanical strength is five times that of steel.
Production will focus on the applicative specialization of nanofibrils, aiming to cover well-known areas of use as well as innovative uses.
COATINGS made of cellulose nanocrystals on various plastic supports, to improve their properties.
the paper and cardboard segment is an area of extensive use, in that the improved mechanical performances due to the use of nanofibrils bring an economic benefit thanks to the use of less cellulose per square metre of paper or cardboard produced (weighing less while offering the same performance).
these undoubtedly represent areas with a high added value on one hand and exclusive solutions on the other.
At the same time, and consequently, the project envisages the development of adequate forms of derivation, alteration and functionalisations of the CN produces, which will be capable of making CNCs and CNFs really suitable for use in new applications of interest to possible markets for the items products, with a view to creating a symbiosis between companies in different sectors.