Emilia Ikävalko: Controlling interactions for high performance lignocellulosic barrier materials

Synergistic combination of biopolymers and bio-based particles enables the development of high-performance barrier materials. Barriers against gases, vapors, liquids, as well as odors, can be developed in robust bio-based materials by strategically controlling interfacial interactions in composites with ordered structures, from the nano to the macroscale. Herein, the focus is on developing new biodegradable and bio-based barrier materials. We are interested on the fundamental principles governing the spreading, film formation and adhesion of the component elucidating mechanisms for barrier enhancement.