Mid Sweden University researchers obtain unique testing tools in the USA
Håkan Edlund, professor at FSCN, has been granted the opportunity to visit Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). There, he will spend a month using their advanced analytical equipment to measure samples he has brought from Sundsvall.
– If all goes as planned, we'll take the next step in our research, says Håkan Edlund.
After several years of research at Mid Sweden University's FSCN Research Center, Håkan Edlund has together with other researchers, including Alireza Eivazi, Magnus Norgren and Christina Dahlström, developed thin transparent films made of cellulose. With the world-unique instruments available at LBNL, Håkan Edlund can gain a deeper understanding of the material's properties.
– By creating an understanding of how we can produce these structures, we can develop new efficient and sustainable cellulose-based materials, says Håkan Edlund.
LBNL at UC Berkeley in California, USA, is a prestigious laboratory with an impressive history. They are happy to boast that as many as 16 researchers who have worked at LBNL have received Nobel Prizes in various scientific disciplines, mainly in physics and chemistry.
FSCN's collaborative project with LBNL aims to identify properties related to cellulose's different structures at the nano-level. In the future, the material may be used in areas such as energy, filter systems and packaging materials.
Longer collaboration
After the first month this autumn, Håkan Edlund will be stationed for another four months at LBNL divided into two periods in 2025. Mid Sweden University now has a five-year user agreement with LBNL.
– Provided that we get additional project applications approved, we have the opportunity to use their infrastructure for a five-year period.
Håkan Edlund will conduct his tests at the Molecular Foundry unit with the group for Imaging and Manipulation of Nanostructures.
FSCN conducts research that contributes to the green transition in various ways.
– By investigating how cellulose can be recovered and used, we are increasing the value chain for our natural resources, says Håkan Edlund.