New, bio-based carbon foams

Thesis event information

Date and time of the thesis defence

Place of the thesis defence

Kokkola university consortium chydenius. Remote connection: https://oulu.zoom.us/j/62037113536

Topic of the dissertation

New, bio-based carbon foams

Doctoral candidate

Master of Science Toni Varila

Faculty and unit

University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry

Subject of study

Chemistry

Opponent

Professor Janne Jänis, University of Eastern Finland

Custos

Professor Ulla Lassi, University of Oulu

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Carbon foams from biomass to industrial applications

The use of biomass in energy production has significantly increased recently. However, in addition to energy use, efforts should be made to produce new products from biomass that would replace at least partly fossil-based raw materials.

In the dissertation, tannin-based carbon foams from wood extracts have been studied. Further, mechanically enforced carbon foams with lignin, a by-product of the pulp industry, have been made. The properties of carbon foams and their use in selected applications have also been studied. They have been studied e.g. in water purification and as a catalyst support in biorefining processes.

The results obtained in the dissertation were promising, and made it possible to replace fossil carbon in the above applications. The high mechanical properties, porous and lightweight structures of carbon foams enable completely new applications, e.g. in the construction industry, where fossil insulation materials could be replaced.
Last updated: 1.3.2023