TC Nanocell

Replacing non-biodegradable plastic packaging with materials derived from biomass and capable of restoring carbon through biodegradation is currently the only valid way of entering a virtuous closed-loop regenerative system. To this end, lignocellulosic materials are a choice alternative that does not compete with food uses. However, their sensitivity to water and the processes currently used to manufacture them hinder their use in many applications. TC Nanocell proposes to develop new materials based on nanocellulose formulated with hydrophobic biosourced molecules and formed by simple uniaxial thermocompression. The structural, mechanical and functional properties of the materials obtained will be studied. The programme will begin with a fundamental study aimed at gaining a better understanding of the impact of process parameters and nanocellulose structure (NCC/NFC) on the properties of the material. This will be followed by a section devoted to the formulation of the material, where we will evaluate the improvement of its functional properties through the addition of entirely biosourced and biodegradable molecules, eliminating the use of petro-sourced solvents and/or resins with a view to a sustainable and economically competitive application in the field of food packaging. Finally, the best operating conditions for processing and formulation will be applied to mat

TCNanocell, funded by the Institut Carnot 3BCAR, is being led by Guadalupe Vaca-Medina (LCA - Toulouse) with Isabelle Capron (BIA - Nantes) and Hélène Angellier-Coussy (IATE-Montpellier).