Abstract: A single-screw extruder (100), and a method. The extruder (100) comprises—a cylindrical rotor member (1) having diameter (D) and length (L) and comprising a feeding zone (14), —the rotor member (1) arranged in a barrel (2), —the cylindrical surface of the rotor member (1) carrying cavity/cavities and/or projection(s) (5) arranged in helically extending rows, —the helically extending row(s) of the rotor member (1) having a pitch (P) and depth (d) in the feeding zone (14) of the rotor member, and the extruder (100) further compris-ing—a drive system (4) for the rotation of the rotor member (1) in the barrel (2). The relation of the depth (d) to the diame-ter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. d:D, is not more than 1:20, and the relation of the pitch (P) of the rotor member to the di-ameter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. P:D, is not more than 1:4.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for maximizing the amount of cellulose content in 3D-printable bio-based thermoplastic materials and increasing temperature resistance compared to the existing bio-based thermoplastic materials used in additive manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a homogenous polymer mixture comprising a polymer composition that comprises at least one cellulose ester polymer, which is cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and at least one other polymer selected from the group consisting of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polypropylene succinate (PPS), wherein the total amount of said cellulose ester polymer and said at least one other polymer is at least 80 wt. % based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The invention also concerns a method and use related thereto.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an elastic fibrous material, based on a fiber network, also including an elastomeric component, which material has been formed into a flat structure with two surfaces. Further, the invention concerns a method of manufacturing said elastic fibrous material by forming a fiber network, containing an elastic polymer, foaming the fiber network, adding it into one or more layers on a support, followed by curing.

Abstract: The invention relates to growing medium structures comprising Sphagnum moss, to a foam-laid method for their manufacture and to the use thereof in horticulture, landscaping and forestry applications.

Abstract: A single-screw extruder (100), and a method. The extruder (100) comprises—a cylindrical rotor member (1) having diameter (D) and length (L) and comprising a feeding zone (14), —the rotor member (1) arranged in a barrel (2), —the cylindrical surface of the rotor member (1) carrying cavity/cavities and/or projection(s) (5) arranged in helically extending rows, —the helically extending row(s) of the rotor member (1) having a pitch (P) and depth (d) in the feeding zone (14) of the rotor member, and the extruder (100) further comprising a drive system (4) for the rotation of the rotor member (1) in the barrel (2). The relation of the depth (d) to the diameter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. d:D, is not more than 1:20, and the relation of the pitch (P) of the rotor member to the diameter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. P:D, is not more than 1:4.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for manufacturing a thermoformable plasticized composite containing cellulose fiber and polylactide by blending the dry cellulose fiber and a compatibilizer in a compactor into pellets, and subsequently reacting the reactive compatibilizer and the mixture of cellulose fiber and polylactide by compounding. The invention also concerns a composite manufactured using said process, as well as further processed products.

Abstract: The invention relates to growing medium structures comprising Sphagnum moss, to a foam-laid method for their manufacture and to the use thereof in horticulture, landscaping and forestry applications.

Abstract: A natural fiber based, melt processable composite material comprising a polymer matrix of a biodegradable polymer and dried peat as a reinforcing agent.

Abstract: A thin film structure, method of producing it and the use thereof. The thin film structure comprises a substrate with a thin conductive layer containing an oxidizing enzyme mixed with an electron transfer mediator. The thin layer is protected against wetting to allow for its storage in dry conditions and further being sufficiently porous to allow for immediate activation of the oxidizing enzyme when contacted with an aqueous solution. The thin film can be used as a cathode in electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the mechanical or mechano-chemical treatment of biomass, wherein a mixture containing the biomass and optional further chemicals is pressed through the openings of one or more compactor one or more times. The process can be operated in a continuous manner by using more than one compactor and more than one compacting cycle, whereby the multiple compactors are operated sequentially.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for manufacturing a thermoformable plasticized composite containing cellulose fiber and polylactide by blending the dry cellulose fiber and a compatibilizer in a compactor into pellets, and subsequently reacting the reactive compatibilizer and the mixture of cellulose fiber and polylactide by compounding. The invention also concerns a composite manufactured using said process, as well as further processed products.

Abstract: A natural fibre based, melt processable composite material comprising a polymer matrix of a biodegradable polymer and dried peat as a reinforcing agent.

Abstract: A thin film structure, method of producing it and the use thereof. The thin film structure comprises a substrate with a thin conductive layer containing an oxidizing enzyme mixed with an electron transfer mediator. The thin layer is protected against wetting to allow for its storage in dry conditions and further being sufficiently porous to allow for immediate activation of the oxidizing enzyme when contacted with an aqueous solution. The thin film can be used as a cathode in electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: A process of producing a fibrous composition, which includes a first component that comprises vegetable fibres and a second component that consists of a synthetic, electrically conductive polymer. According to the method, the vegetable fibres comprise porous, loose and separate fibres, and the electrically conductive polymer is an independently electrically conductive polymer which is doped in order to generate charge carriers in the polymeric material, the synthetic polymer being produced by in situ—polymerization inside the fibres and on their surfaces. The doping agent is an organic sulphonic acid which is allowed to absorb into the fibres in an aqueous medium, and after that a monomer corresponding to the polymer is brought into contact with the fibres and polymerised. By means of the invention, the electrically conductive polymers are attached to fibres so firmly that they are not substantially out-washable by water.