Samuel Schabel

Linear and branched amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized via anionic living polymerization to form porous structures on cellulose fibers. Surface properties were tuned at macro- and microscales via post-modification with different agents.

This study presents a simplified FEM modeling approach suitable for large structures made of corrugated boards, such as customized packages, based on a homogenization method, which is combined with correction factors for internal mechanisms. The homogenization process reduces computational time by transforming flute geometries into equivalent elastic models. In large deformations and in the presence of contact for a given geometry, the effective elastic modulus in the thickness direction, as well as the effective thickness of the structure, are corrected by two statistical Weibull distributions representing the contact and buckling mechanisms in a corrugated board. The Weibull parameters are obtained via experimental analysis, and such a process is then validated. The results demonstrate that the statistical parameters ($β_1 = 0.14$, $β_2 = 1.31$) can be used for the simplistic representation of corrugated boards, being computationally efficient. This research contributes to the optimization of corrugated packaging design, specifically by simplifying FEM models for faster yet equally accurate simulations.

All-cellulose composites were prepared using a novel AlCl3/ZnCl2 molten salt solvent system, which allows for fabrication at room temperature. Unlike conventional NaOH/urea solvent systems, the proposed solvent demonstrates enhanced solubility and processing efficiency without requiring low-temperature conditions. The composites produced at room temperature, while they displayed enhanced wet strength properties, possessed a rather poor tensile strength and Young´s Modulus. When the composites were treated with the molten salt solvent system at a higher temperature, the composites displayed a marked performance improvement, suggesting that the solvent’s efficiency is temperature dependent. At higher temperatures comparable performance to NaOH/ urea produced all-cellulose composites was demonstrated. This dual advantage, room-temperature processing and improved properties at elevated temperatures, demonstrates the versatility of the AlCl3/ZnCl2 molten salt solvent system and the potential for energy-efficient, scalable production of sustainable all-cellulose composites.

This paper proposes a novel approach to represent the geometry of the corrugated board profile during compression using graphs. Graphs are lighter than images, and the computational time of compression analysis is then significantly reduced compared to using the original image data for the same analysis. The main goal of using such graphs is to gain more knowledge about the mechanical behavior of corrugated boards under compression compared to the current load–deformation curve approach. A node tracking algorithm is applied to characterize the different phases occurring during the compression test in order to predict physical phenomena, including buckling and contact. The main results show that analyzing the nodes provides significant insights into the compression phases, which has not been achieved in the current state of the art. The authors believe that the objective of this research is crucial to better understanding the physics of corrugated boards under compression, and it can also be extended to other engineering structures.

This paper proposes a novel approach to represent the geometry of the corrugated board profile during compression by using graphs. Graphs are lighter than images, and the computational time of compression analysis is then significantly reduced compared to using the original image data for the same analysis. The main goal of using such graphs is to gain more knowledge about the mechanical behavior of corrugated boards under compression compared to the current load-deformation curve approach. A node-tracking algorithm is applied to characterize the different phases happening during the compression test in order to predict physical phenomena, including buckling and contact. The main results show that analyzing the nodes provides significant insights into the compression phases, which was not achieved in the current state-of-the-art. The authors believe the object of this research is crucial to better understand the physics of corrugated boards under compression, and it can also be extended to other engineering structures.

Packaging is essential for the global transport and storage of goods. However, due to the widespread use of non-biodegradable raw materials, it is a topic of environmental discussions. Paper plays an important role in the packaging sector due to the sustainability of the material, its outstanding flexibility and its high specific strength. But paper also has disadvantages. Paper does not possess wet strength and does not provide barrier properties. These disadvantages have so far been overcome by creating coated paper, paper laminates or through the addition of substances during production. An alternative solution could be All-Cellulose Composites (ACC), which are composites completely made of cellulosic materials.Within the scope of this research short process times will be tested to determine if it is possible to achieve an increase in wet strength and barrier effect sufficient for packaging application. In addition, it will be investigated whether moist paper can be converted into ACC and to what extent the moisture content influences the resulting properties. The papers that will be converted are produced from bleached kraft pulp fibres (NBSK) on a Rapid Köthen sheet former. The conversion to ACC takes place via an immersion process. NaOH-urea is used as the solvent system, which is cooled to -12.5 °C. The tests show that a treatment period of just a few seconds is sufficient to significantly improve tensile and wet strength. It still needs to be clarified for what kind of technical applications the barrier properties achieved so far are suitable.

An important advantage of paper composites is their sustainability. Natural fibers store CO2 during growth, they are recyclable and may be safely thermally recycled. In this work, composites out of laboratory paper and epoxy resin are generated in a hand lay-up process. The laboratory paper varies in the degree of fiber orientation. As a comparison, paper with isotropic fiber orientation is also used. The tensile strength for the isotropic paper composite is about 120 MPa. It can be observed that the tensile strength of the composite tends to increase with the increase of fiber orientation in the paper. The measured tensile strength of the oriented paper composites in the fiber direction is about 150 MPa and in cross fiber direction about 50 MPa. The strength characteristics are comparatively lower than for carbon or glass fiber reinforced composites, but the density of the paper composites investigated here is only about 1.26 g/cm3 and the raw material price is significantly lower making paper composites economically attractive. At the end, strength values are modeled with the rule of mixture as well as with Kröling's strength model. In conclusion, tensile strength of oriented paper composites are higher than of isotropic paper.

Composites are pivotal in Europe's evolving packaging sector, which is undergoing changes due to circular and bioeconomy initiatives, which prioritize eco‐friendly packaging. Despite paper's high recycling rates, dynamic markets challenge recycling and circularity. Innovative paper‐based composites demand flexible recyclability assessments, which impacts product development. Recyclability methods are evolving as they struggle to match the dynamic changes occurring in the packaging sector. This article outlines paper recycling and compares global lab recyclability evaluation methods.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of optimization practices in the corrugated board industry, which has recently experienced significant interest in using optimization methodologies driven by sustainable demands and increasing computational capabilities. The authors cover different review perspectives, including historical context, manufacturing applications, design optimization, and numerical optimization algorithms used. The main findings of this study indicate that the corrugated board industry has experienced a shift from trial-and-error and expert-driven approaches to data-centric strategies, particularly since the beginning of the 21st century. Interestingly, the industry has also adopted Multi-Disciplinary Optimization techniques from other fields, which demonstrates the importance of knowledge convergence across sectors. However, due to the complex nature of corrugated boards—including materials, design, and manufacturing processes—there is still much research to be done in this area. This work provides guidance for future research directions and encourages innovation and improvement in corrugated board optimization practices. In particular, the strong developments of material models for paper in recent years will boost the use of optimization tools in this field.