Developing a Technology Platform based on The Spinning of Bio-Based Nanostructured Fiber-Based Materials

Transitioning from promising scientific findings to practical engineering technologies often presents significant challenges. One such advancement lies in spinning high-performance reinforcement fibers from nanocellulose. We have been working broadly, spanning several projects, around a spinning technology built on the concept of flow-focusing spinning, which has shown some potential.^1-3 These previously published scientific results represent a substantial leap beyond current state-of-the-art techniques, particularly in achieving continuous and controllable conditions for nano assembly. This includes several routes for functionalization beyond the stress-strain curve.<br/>The challenge has been pursued by addressing some key challenges related to conventional filament (fiber) spinning, such as e.g., winding, online drying, and multi-filament spinning. In addition, the need for consistent processing and material properties has been addressed, a specific challenge when working with nanocomponents.<br/>An overview of recent results will be presented, considering the performance of continuously spun fibers and attempts to fabricate composite materials based on fabrics constructed from these fibers. One example is that the results show how the parameter space for processing and, specifically, drying strongly impacts the final material's properties. Another indicates that fibers spun using hydrodynamic flow-focusing show a surprisingly high thermal conductivity.⁴ Following this, the piezoelectric properties have been studied, as well as functionalization using other nanoparticles and polymers,<br/>Finally, the possibility to fabricate significant amounts has also made it possible to evaluate the compatibility with various polymer resins and the performance as a composite, where the apparent result is that the composites become more or less transparent.<br/>Apart from the investigated property space, the vision is to develop further a technology platform that can provide society with innovative material solutions that are biobased, lightweight, functional, sustainable, and resilient.<br/><br/>(1) K. M. O. Håkansson, A. B. Fall, . . . L. D. Söderberg, Hydrodynamic alignment and assembly of nanofibrils resulting in strong cellulose filaments. <i>Nature Communications</i> <b>5</b>, (2014).<br/>(2) N. Mittal, F. Ansari, . . . L. D. Söderberg, Multiscale Control of Nanocellulose Assembly: Transferring Remarkable Nanoscale Fibril Mechanics to Macroscale Fibers. <i>ACS Nano</i> <b>12</b>, 6378-6388 (2018).<br/>(3) N. Mittal, R. Janson, . . . L. D. Söderberg, Ultrastrong and Bioactive Nanostructured Bio-Based Composites. <i>Acs Nano</i> <b>11</b>, 5148-5159 (2017).<br/>(4) G. Wang, M. Kudo, . . . J. Shiomi, Enhanced High Thermal Conductivity Cellulose Filaments via Hydrodynamic Focusing. <i>Nano Letters</i> <b>22</b>, 8406-8412 (2022).