Mastering materials begins with ultra-precise analysis of their structure at the micrometric and nanometric scale. Our Materials platform has a complete instrumental park for characterizing the size, shape, and distribution of particles and fibers, whether in dry or liquid phase.

1. High-Resolution Image Analysis: The Occhio Range

We utilize the cutting-edge Occhio technology, based on high-speed automated image analysis, to obtain morphological data that conventional laser granulometry cannot detect:

• Occhio Nano 500: This instrument is dedicated to the characterization of extremely fine particles. It enables precise analysis of morphology and size at a submicron scale, providing essential resolution for nanomaterials and high-tech powders.

• Occhio Zephyr: Designed for dry-phase analysis, the Zephyr excels in characterizing large volumes of powders or granulates. Thanks to its vibrating sieve system, it ensures rapid and representative measurement of particle size distribution and shape (circularity, elongation, roughness). Ideal for flax and hemp shives and short natural fibers.

• Occhio Scan: This versatile tool is ideal for analyzing larger particles or for specific needs in scanning and characterizing complex shapes on flat supports, ensuring visual traceability of each measurement.

2. Laser Granulometry: Malvern Mastersizer 3000

For analyses in liquid phase, we use the Mastersizer 3000, the global reference in laser diffraction. This equipment enables:

• An extended measurement range (from nanometer to millimeter).

• Rapid and reproducible analysis of particle size distribution in suspension.

• Rigorous control of emulsion stability and powder dispersion in liquid medium.

Scaling Up: Our Pilot Roller Coater

To implement our R&D advances, we have a pilot Roller Coater line. This equipment is the essential link between the development of bio-based coatings and their actual application on flexible substrates (particularly cellulosic), enabling simulation of industrial production conditions.

Thanks to this system, we develop advanced coating solutions, with a particular focus on Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF) and Nanochitin. Our work exploits the unique properties of CNF to transform paper into a high-tech material:

• Active and Sustainable Barriers: Coating cellulosic substrates with thin layers of CNF creates a dense and crystalline network. This drastically improves barrier properties against oxygen, fats, and oils, while preserving the complete recyclability of the paper.

CELABOR is equipped with a GEA Panda high-pressure homogenizer, a technology widely used for the production of cellulose nanofibers.

The principle is based on passing a cellulosic fiber suspension at very high pressure (up to 1000 bar) through a micro-homogenization valve. During this step, the suspension undergoes:

• intense shear forces

• cavitation phenomena

• high-velocity impacts

These mechanical stresses cause the progressive disintegration of cellulosic fibers into nanometric-sized fibrils.

Multiple passes can be performed to increase the degree of fibrillation and obtain a suspension of highly individualized cellulose nanofibers.

This technology offers several advantages:

• production of highly homogeneous CNF

• good control of fibril size

• technology scalable to industrial level

• suitable for numerous cellulose sources

It is particularly used for the development of functional materials.

CELABOR also has a Masuko Grinder, a mechanical fibrillation by friction technology widely used in the production of cellulose nanofibers.

The system is based on two very closely spaced grinding stones, one of which rotates. The cellulosic fiber suspension passes between these disks and undergoes high shear and friction forces that cause the progressive delamination of the cell wall.

Unlike high-pressure homogenization, fibrillation here occurs in a more gradual and controlled manner through:

• adjustment of the stone gap

• the number of passes

• the rotation speed

The Masuko Grinder is particularly suitable for:

• pre-fibrillation of fibers

• production of cellulose microfibrils and nanofibrils

• optimization of energy consumption before other fibrillation steps

This technology is frequently used in combination with high-pressure homogenization to improve the overall efficiency of the process.

The Thermo Scientific Process 11 Twin-Screw Extruder co-rotating twin-screw extruder is a versatile laboratory equipment enabling the processing and functionalization of bio-based materials, including cellulose nanofibers.

Twin-screw extrusion is based on the transport and mixing of material through two modular co-rotating screws placed in a heated barrel. The screw geometry can be configured to precisely adapt process conditions and generate different mechanical actions:

• intensive mixing

• controlled shear

• filler dispersion

• physicochemical reactions or modifications

In the context of developing cellulose-based materials, the extruder enables in particular:

• dispersion of cellulose nanofibers in polymer matrices

• production of bio-based composites

• optimization of formulations and processing parameters

• preparation of pilot batches for industrial trials

Thanks to its high configuration flexibility, the Process 11 extruder is particularly suited to R&D and process development activities, while offering excellent scalability to industrial equipment.

Combined with the mechanical fibrillation technologies available at CELABOR (high-pressure homogenization and stone grinding), this platform covers the entire development chain:

• production of cellulose nanofibers

• functionalization and dispersion in different matrices

• development of innovative materials and composites.