From laboratory scale to industrial scale: Utilization of microfibrillated cellulose in decorative paints

 
"PaintBioCell" is a project developing new generation of opacifying paints with bio-based microfibrillated cellulose which lower the concentration of expensive filler and limit their sedimentation in paint formulation. Oriented towards technology transfer, this project develops the industrial application of nanocellulose, particularly microfibrillated cellulose, for the paints and coating industry. The industrial interest for this bio-based cellulose based material is growing swiftly, especially following its recent industrialization since start of 2010's. It is considered as one of the 3 top priority/innovative materials in European bio-economy. The Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) are classically obtained in the form of an aqueous suspension by biological or chemical pretreatment following with a mechanical treatment of the cellulose fiber from wood, agricultural biomass or even industrial crops and wastes. MFC induce many promising properties for paints such as mechanical reinforcement (less crack), rheology modifier (more viscous), stabilizing and dispersing agent (lower concentration of pigments), eminent film forming ability, homogeneous breathability and quick drying, First results with filler (e.g. TiO2) dispersion are very promising at lab scale and submitted for patent. Next step for "PaintBioCell" project is to transfer this patented technology to industrial scale and adapt the technology according to their needs.