Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has a good film-forming ability, where the film is strong and light. In addition, the films are opaque, translucent or even transparent depending on the thickness of the film and type of MFC. They also show good oxygen barrier properties. Moreover, MFC can be combined with different polymers or fillers to obtain even more versatile material. In this post, we want to show the potential of MFC films in various applications. Let’s start by discussing how MFC films can be made and then see what kind of applications these films may have.
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Coating performance is often very complex, and can depend on the coating system itself, substrate to be coated, conditions during coating etc. Increasing the performance is often a lengthy process with multiple tests on wet paint performance and dried coating performance. Key aspects of wet paints can be control of rheology, and for solid coatings the ability to improve endurance. Are there technologies available for aiding on the key aspects? For sure. Are there new sustainable additives which can improve the new water borne technologies? Let me show you an example of exactly that in this blog post.
Is powder handling a problem in your production facilities? If yes, you have probably tried to reduce the dusting and other environment, health and safety (EHS) risks related to powders as much as possible. Have you considered to change the additives and ingredients that will reduce or give no dust, whilst keeping the desired performance? In production, the handling of powders can often lead to EHS issues. But are there any alternatives? Yes, indeed.
The business case is central to directing investment in most organisations, but business cases are often biased substantially in favor of the outcome desired by their authors. It is the role of a responsible Executive to reject such ‘fantasy’ business cases, but this can lead to hard rules that also reject strategic investments in innovation.
Once you have taken the decision to strengthen your business based on organic growth you have already taken a very important strategic step. At the same time, you have placed yourself at the gambling table, because with all new opportunities comes a risk. But how can you take measures to control this risk and mitigate it as much as possible? Here are some practices you can utilize when looking for technological enablers to your new bio-based innovations.
![[VIDEO] Topic Tuesday: Is bio-based becoming a consideration in construction industry?](https://www.exilva.com/hubfs/sustainable-concrete-play.jpg)
We rely on well-proven construction technologies wherever we move around. The construction technologies have been developed for decades to make sure that we have long-living and safe infrastructure and buildings around us. But in a world moving in increasing speed towards more emphasis on lowering emissions and waste, how is the construction industry affected? And are there any ready-made bio-based solutions available?
We are starting to see major shifts towards increased focus on sustainability, with examples like the likely upcoming EU ban on single use plastics, and the Chinese environmental tax on solvent based coatings. Your company and its competitive advantage will be defined by the ability shown in adapting to this. I will in this blog post touch upon a subject that can be important to assess for you going forward.
You may have noticed that the number of waterborne systems has increased massively during the past decade. Waterborne systems, like paint and adhesives, where water is the main part of the product in many cases, are popular due to several factors. My goal with this article is to introduce you to what I believe are the three most significant aspects of the increased demand for waterborne product systems, focusing on coatings and adhesives.
![[RESEARCH REVIEW] New materials are emerging; can they shift current technologies?](https://www.exilva.com/hubfs/Exilva_Blog/MFCResearchReviewIllustrationPhoto.jpg)
The technology of cellulose fibrils/nanocellulose is breaking new grounds, and my research review this week is focusing on materials development. So if you are wondering how new increasingly sustainable nanocellulose/thermoplastic solutions are looking, you should not miss out on this week’s research review!
![[VIDEO] Topic Tuesday: Lime mortar can better compete with concrete, with new rheology additives available](https://www.exilva.com/hubfs/lime_mortar_with_exilva_blog_play.jpg)
Lime, consisting of air lime and hydraulic lime, is one of the most important historical construction materials. Due to new plasticizer technologies available, we are now seeing a new golden era approaching for this material? Don't miss out on this Topic Tuesday subject that can give you insights into improving lime mortar formulations which can outcompete concrete materials by enhancing workability and appearance.
Rheology is the study of deformation and flow of material under stress, for example how easily material changes its form when it is pressed, or how easy it is to pump liquid in the pipes. Yield stress and viscosity are two importance aspects in the study of rheology and I will today exemplify this by using the Exilva microfibrillated technology.
