14CSER005 - Computational modeling of the structure and mechanics of cellulose homocomposites
| Project number | 14CSER005 |
| Project title | Computational modeling of the structure and mechanics of cellulose homocomposites |
| Applicant(s) | Dr. C. Storm, Dr. W.G. Ellenbroek |
| Abstract | The field of polymeric materials is at a crucial crossroads. It must reinvent itself to stay relevant in a world that is increasingly focused on sustainability and renewable resources, but that is still effectively dependent on oil-based plastics. Innovative use of biological raw materials, not only in low-tech, high-volume settings but also in high-tech materials is needed. Cellulose, one of the most abundant biopolymers, is a promising consitutent for such materials. In a separate, very recent development [2], a physics-based procedure for creating high-performance elastomer homocomposites was shown to give major improvements in material toughness. This procedure, applied to crosslinked cellulose hydrogels, is a promising pathway towards high-performance renewable biomaterials, but an in-depth understanding of its micromechanical and microstructural origins is completely lacking. In this proposal, we use state-of-the-art Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics techniques to evaluate the structure and performance of this cellulose-based homocomposite material. |
| Project budget | k€ 256 (includes 1 PhD student and material budget) |
| Duration | 2015 - 2018 |