Dr Laetitia Marrot just completed a 2 weeks Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM) in the BioWooEB research unit of the CIRAD institute (Agricultural Research for Development) in Montpellier, France.
The researchers of the BioWooEB unit focus on the valorization of Mediterranean and tropical lignocellulosic biomasses for materials, energy and bioproducts applications. They are experts in the characterization of biomasses and optimization of the processes for their valorization, especially at the local scale in developing countries.
The STSM was supported and funded by the COST Action CONTEXT CA17107 “European Network to connect research and innovation efforts on advanced Smart Textiles”. In this context, the mission consisted in characterizing the properties of bio-carbon materials made from hemp, for use as UV stabilizer for the protection of textiles. The full characterization (chemical and elemental compositions, porosity, specific surface, calorific value, etc.) of the bio-carbon particles will provide answers to link their properties with their manufacturing process and will allow the production of bio-carbon with controlled microstructure.
Beside state-of-the-art laboratories, the CIRAD institute owns a “Biomass and energy” platform with semi-industrial equipment for thermo-chemical conversion of biomass (pyrolysis, torrefaction, combustion and gazeification), and an amazing xylotheque gathering 34.000 samples from 8400 different wood species. Definitely worth to have a look!
This collaboration between the InnoRenew CoE and CIRAD ensures knowledge exchange and complementarity of the research topics of both institutes.
