Fibre and Particle Engineering

Our research focuses on new nanostructured biomaterials, their manufacturing, phenomena and applications. We study cellulose nanomaterials and several other nanostructures found in nature as well as lignocellulose-based hybrid materials. A key part of the research is biomaterial modification based on green chemistry.

Our research aims to find new applications for industrial mineral side streams. The main applications are various cement-like materials such as geopolymers. Our research focuses on understanding the reactivity of materials, materials processing and studying the properties of the end product. Safety of materials both for the environment and the end user is also highlighted.

Read more about the research group here »

Our research aims to deepen our understanding of phenomena and developing innovative processes related to inorganic side streams. Currently one of our main research subjects is the potential of magnesium as a substitute for cement and a remover of CO2.

Read more about the research group here »

Akhlamadi, Golnoosh; Goharshadi, Elaheh K.; Liimatainen, Henrikki (2022) Ultrahigh fluid sorption capacity of superhydrophobic and tough cryogels of cross-linked cellulose nanofibers, cellulose nanocrystals, and Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets. Journal of Materials Chemistry A.
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA06437E

Yue, Xin; Suopajärvi, Terhi; Sun, Shirong; Mankinen, Otto; Mikkelson, Atte; Huttunen, Harri; Komulainen, Sanna; Romakkaniemi, Idamaria; Ahola, Juha; Telkki, Ville-Veikko; Liimatainen, Henrikki (2022) High-purity lignin fractions and nanospheres rich in phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups isolated with alkaline deep eutectic solvent from wheat straw. Bioresource Technology.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127570

Perumal, Priyadharshini; Niu, He; Kiventerä, Jenni; Kinnunen, Paivo; Illikainen, Mirja (2020) Upcycling of mechanically treated silicate mine tailings as alkali activated binders. Minerals Engineering.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106587

Luukkonen, Tero; von Gunten, Urs (2022) Oxidation of organic micropollutant surrogate functional groups with peracetic acid activated by aqueous Co(II), Cu(II), or Ag(I) and geopolymer-supported Co(II). Water Research.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118984

Bachelor’s thesis in the Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit can be either a literature review or experimental research related to ongoing projects. Topics can vary from inorganic circular economy to lignocellulose-based materials and processes of bioproduct technology. Students can utilize their work experiences or personal interest in the topics.

For further information, contact university lecturer Elisa Koivuranta (firstname.lastname@oulu.fi).

Keywords: biotechnology, geopolymers, green chemistry, lignocellulose-based materials, material efficiency, side stream utilization

The Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit supervises master thesis related circular and bio-economy. For further information, contact university lecturer Elisa Koivuranta (firstname.lastname@oulu.fi).

We regularly offer open positions for doctoral students. Open positions can be found in Saima. For more information visit the website of University of Oulu Graduate School or contact Professor Mirja Illikainen or Professor Henrikki Liimatainen.

Our laboratory is equipped with nano- and microcellulose manufacturing equipment including

• microfluidizer, homogenizer and supermass collider grinder
• analyzers to determine the size and the surface charge of particles
• microflotation cell
• equipment and laboratories to measure mechanical and barrier properties of materials
• equipment to modify and analyze lignocellulose (e.g., NMR, FT-IR, electron microscopy and XRD)

Material research of circular economy is enabled by the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities where we can manufacture and analyze for instance different kinds of binding materials such as geopolymers, mortars and concrete. We have equipment to measure for example

• the structural strength of materials (Zwick Z100)
• chemical properties and microstructure (e.g., FESEM-EDS, STEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR, XRF, ICP, XPS, TG-Raman, NMR)
• environmental impact of the materials.

In addition, we have different types of milling, screening and classification devices for material processing.