Aqueous Graphene Dispersions for Paper Packaging
- Reference number
- FID15-0105
- Start and end dates
- 170228-220228
- Amount granted
- 2 500 000 SEK
- Administrative organization
- RISE Borås
- Research area
- Materials Science and Technology
Summary
The unique optical, electrical and barrier properties of graphene makes it attractive for packaging applications. Solution deposition of graphene flakes is promising, where the granular quality of the graphene films is offset by the cost advantage of facile processing. Main challenges here are (i) synthesis of customized stable aqueous dispersions of graphene with high concentrations; (ii) advancement in understanding of the interaction between the graphene surfaces and dispersing agents; (iii) formulation of water-based coatings and inks customized for specific deposition techniques, without affecting the properties of the graphene films. In this Ph.D. project, the student will mainly work at SP (Chemistry, Materials and Surfaces unit - expertise in surface science and formulations) to develop customized dispersions. The student will study the dispersions at Uppsala University (Department of Engineering Sciences - expertise in printed electronics), in close collaboration with BillerudKorsnäs (end-user in paper-packaging industry). The study includes compatibility of the dispersions with various deposition techniques and properties of graphene films for applications targeting the paper-packaging industry. The main result of this project is advancement in the understanding of graphene and stabilizers interactions at a molecular level, leading to development of customizable water dispersions of graphene to be used for conductive and barrier layers on paper boards.
Popular science description
The unique optical, electrical and barrier properties of graphene makes it attractive for packaging applications. Solution deposition of graphene flakes is promising. Main challenges here are (i) synthesis of customized stable aqueous dispersions of graphene with high concentrations; (ii) advancement in understanding of the interaction between the graphene surfaces and dispersing agents; (iii) formulation of water-based coatings and inks customized for specific deposition techniques, without affecting the properties of the graphene films. In this Ph.D. project, the student will mainly work at SP (Chemistry, Materials and Surfaces unit - expertise in surface science and formulations) to develop customized dispersions. The student will study the dispersions at Uppsala University (Department of Engineering Sciences - expertise in printed electronics), in close collaboration with BillerudKorsnäs (end-user in paper-packaging industry). The study includes compatibility of the dispersions with various deposition techniques and properties of graphene films for applications targeting the paper-packaging industry. The main result of this project is advancement in the understanding of graphene and stabilizers interactions at a molecular level, leading to development of customizable water dispersions of graphene to be used for conductive and barrier layers on paper boards.