SUPERVISOR: Ulrich MÜLLER

PROJECT ASSIGNED TO: Muhammad Sohaib Anas

Abstract

The demand for sustainable, lightweight, and high-performance materials has driven the growing interest in biodegradable fibers such as regenerated cellulose for engineering and structural applications. As the global move towards eco-friendly materials intensifies, cellulose-based composites are promising substitutes for conventional energy intensive materials such as glass fibers. Cellulose filaments (CF) stand out due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, and abundance. Their potential to be used as reinforcement in composites presents a promising area for reducing the ecological footprint of industries such as construction, automotive, and aerospace. This PhD project aims to explore the development and characterization of cellulose filament composites as a replacement of glass fiber composites, specifically targeting their use in light weight structural applications. The project will leverage advanced techniques in material science, chemical engineering, and mechanical testing to optimize the properties of Cellulose filament composites, with the long-term objective of promoting sustainable development within key industrial sectors.

Collaboration

This doctoral project is part of the Austrian Biorefinery Center Tulln (ABCT-II) and received the abbreviation CelFiComp, standing for cellulose filament composites. It is a collaboration between the Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials and the companies “Indorama Ventures Mobility Bohemia” a producer of viscose for technical applications & “F/list” a producer of interiors for business & private jets and living spaces.