Zahra conducts research to optimize the paper industry and reduce energy consumption

With a background in chemical engineering and a strong desire to contribute to sustainable solutions, she is now exploring how different forces shape wood fibers during mechanical refining. Her goal? To help the paper industry create better products with less energy consumption – and maybe even replace plastic in the future.

Tell us a little about your background and how you came to end up here at Mid Sweden University.

I have a background in chemical engineering. During my master's degree, I became one of the best students in my cohort. After my studies, I worked as a lab engineer at Standard Research Institute. Later, I moved from Iran to Sweden to continue developing my life and career.

In Sweden, I started working at Lab Service while also beginning a Master by Research program in chemistry, gaining valuable experience in both hands-on laboratory work and research. When I saw the advertisement for a PhD position at Mid Sweden University, I thought the research area seemed very exciting, and I felt I would like to contribute my work and knowledge to something that could be useful to people in the future. So, I applied for doctoral studies.

What is your research about?

In the mechanical refining process, many phenomena occur simultaneously to improve fiber properties. Gaining insight into which specific phenomena cause particular changes in fiber properties is crucial for a better understanding of the process. Therefore, my research focuses on investigating how mechanical forces during the mechanical refining of wood fibers affect fiber morphology and promote the development of fiber properties.

What do you hope it will contribute? How do you see that the results of your research can be used?

By analyzing these effects with different novel methods, I want to contribute to optimize the refining process, allowing the paper industry to produce pulp and paper with higher quality while reducing energy consumption, which is both economically and environmentally beneficial.

The results from my project can also be used to develop paper with improved properties that, in some cases, can replace plastic. We collaborate closely with industry, making the research highly relevant and directly applicable to real-world processes.

What is your experience of Sweden?

My experience of Sweden has been very positive. I enjoy learning about culture and traditions, and I appreciate the balance between nature and city life. Summers are beautiful, and winters, with all the snow, have been a unique and amazing experience for me.