FSCN Researcher takes her innovation to the SKAPA final
Researcher Rana Alimothammadzadeh has developed a water-repellent cellulose foam using a new, more sustainable production method. After winning the SKAPA Innovation Award in Västernorrland, she will represent the county in the national final on 12 November.
Rana's innovation is a hydrophobic cellulose foam produced through a one-pot process, where foam formation and functionalisation take place in a single step. The entire process uses water, without organic solvents or toxic chemicals, making it a more resource-efficient alternative to conventional production methods.
The material is renewable, water-repellent and can absorb oil. After absorbing oil, it can be cleaned, dried and reused. This opens up opportunities to replace fossil-based foams with more sustainable alternatives.
One promising application is water treatment. The material has already been tested for separating oil from water and could potentially be used to remove pollutants and pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater. Other possible applications include insulation and construction materials.
Developed since 2023
Rana has worked on developing the process since 2023, and sees the material as a platform for creating new bio-based products.
In October, she received the SKAPA Innovation Award in Västernorrland for her patented cellulose material, recognised for its potential to contribute to the green transition.
"Developing sustainable, bio-based materials can deliver benefits across science, industry, and society," says Rana.
On 12 November, she will compete in the national SKAPA final at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm. Her current focus is on further developing the material for wastewater treatment, with the long-term ambition of bringing the innovation closer to industrial applications and commercialisation.