Cellulose nanofibrils are very small structures, 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. One of their main characteristics is that when they intertwine, they form a very resistant and lightweight net, similar to a spider’s web, but invisible to the human eye. Taking advantage of this quality, UDT is working on developing cellulose nanofibrils to create an additive that serves as a strengthener for papers, cartons, adhesives, plastics and other products.
This research is being carried out within the framework of a CORFO project, whose objective is to validate at an industrial level the manufacture of papers and cartons of high performance, durability and resistance, fortified with nanofibrils. In addition, in a second project financed by the COPEC-UC Foundation, we are generating chemically modified cellulose nanofibrils, which can be added to water-repellent materials.
We have built a pilot plant with a capacity of 3000 liters per day. We hope to soon begin to carry out industrial tests and supply different companies. We will be the first manufacturers of cellulose nanofibrils in Latin America.