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About
Colleges

Nano-Cellulose and Bio-Composites

Our experts in this area have developed a holistic research portfolio of nancellulose and biocomposites from both wood and non-wood resources. The NCBC research laboratory is equipped with a wide range of the state of the art facilities for nanocellulose and biocomposites production and characterisation, including:

  • Fibre disintegration and nanocellulose production pilot;
  • Aerogel production pilot;
  • Nanosight and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA);
  • Composites and biocomposites production pilot.

Sustainable development of construction products with added and improved functionality through the use of emerging technologies is of paramount importance in this research area. NCBC has been carrying out a number of extensive R&D&I programmes. Examples of EU and national projects include: Enhancing the Efficiency and Competitiveness of Natural Fibre Composites in Construction; EU ‘CELLUWOOD’: Laminated Strong Eco‑material for Building Construction Made of Nano-cellulose-strengthened Renewable Materials; ‘NATCOM’ Optimally Efficient Production of High Strength Natural Fibre Composites; EU FIBCEM: Nanotechnology enhanced cement composites; and EPSCRC Nano Technology Enhanced Straw-based Materials.  

Recently intensive work on nano and aerogels enhanced energy conservation systems for building construction has played pivotal role for energy efficient building. Highly insulating systems for buildings such as Aerogel and Vacuum Insulation Panels have been successfully developed in this centre with the collaboration of leading industrial European partners. Some of successful projects include EU FP7 ‘VIP4ALL’: Highly Sustainable and Effective Production of Innovative Low Cost Vacuum Insulation Panels for Zero Carbon Building Construction; ‘ICECLAY’: Highly efficient production of ultra-lightweight clay-aerogel materials and their integrated composites for building insulation; EU H2020 ‘GELCLAD’: Highly efficient cladding eco-panels with improved nano-insulation properties. The aim is to create a novel cost-effective, durable, industrialised and easy to install composite insulation cladding system, based on a single structured panel with excellent insulation properties.

Extruded Aerogel

 

Novel Façade System for Energy Efficient Building