PEFF: Plant Based Molecules for Enhancing Functional Properties of Cellulose Fiber Materials
- Jan 23, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The global textile industry is transitioning towards more sustainable use of raw materials. In this context, man-made cellulosic fibers are expected to grow remarkably to fill the gap in the textile fiber market. However, due to its high-water absorption, cellulose has limited application potential and cannot compete with oil-based synthetic fibers in outdoor and active textiles. To fit these applications better, cellulose-based fabrics require enhanced moisture management, UV-fastness, and –protection, as well as antibacterial and odour control. The PEFF project aims to investigate how these properties of cellulose-based fibers could be improved using biocolors and other biofinishes extracted from plants.
Moreover, the textile industry is responsible for one-fifth of industrial freshwater pollution. The most polluting stages are wet processes including dyeing and finishing treatments. Hence, to save energy, water, and dyes in the dyeing process, 2D screen printing technologies are also studied in the project. Additionally, the project examines biocolor recycling strategies to minimize freshwater pollution.
Publications
Ritesh Sharma, Peppi Toukola, Juha Jordan, Julia Vuorinen, Ngoc Huynh, Nikita Durandin, Mikko Herrala, Anja Primetta, Jaana Rysä, Monika Österberg, Paula Nousiainen, Päivi Laaksonen, Riikka Räisänen (2025). Upcycling Agricultural Waste for Functional Interfaces: Yellow Onion Skin-Derived Dyes for Cellulosic Materials, ACS Omega 10 (32): 36511–36526, DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c05183.
