VAXJO, Sweden,
Nov. 11, 2008
(Press Release) -
Avancell has generated its first doctoral thesis, which investigates ways to improve the sulphate pulp cooking process. On November 7, Johannes Bogren defended his doctoral thesis and thus became the first doctor to graduate within the framework of Södra's research collaboration with the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg.
In December Bogren starts work for Södra Cell in the R&D department in Väröbacka. "I'm looking forward to the new challenges which I'm sure to be facing in my new job," says Bogren.
In his thesis, entitled "Further insight into kraft cooking kinetics", Bogren investigates ways whether further efficiency improvements can be made to the sulphate pulp cooking process. In the digester, carbohydrates undergo a comprehensive and undesirable reaction which prevents optimal use being made of the wood.
In his thesis, Bogren aims to increase knowledge about the mechanisms that cause this degradation. His work will provide a tool to produce pulp with a higher carbohydrate content which could then be used to manufacture new products or further modify existing products. Such a breakthrough will be especially welcome at this time of increased competition in the pulp and paper industry, where there is an increasing need to make more efficient use of wood.
"If the carbohydrates remain in the pulp it means less wood is consumed, which is good both for finances and sustainability," says Bogren.
Johannes Bogren started his doctoral studies in 2004 and joined Avancell in 2005. He was the first of five doctoral students in this unique research cluster to defend his thesis. Avancell head Mats Wallin is very pleased with the efforts of the Södra doctoral students, and with the collaboration as a whole.
"Avancell gives us a toolkit to help us manipulate fibre properties in the future and it provides the base for our other Chalmers collaborations with Tetra Pak and SCA Personal Care," he says, continuing: "This means that Avancell is strategically important for us. We started in 2005 and now it is time to harvest - next year another four doctoral theses will be presented."
Bogren starts his assignment at Södra Cell R&D in Väröbacka in December. As part of the R&D pulp technology department he will continue to put his theories into practice, as well as having the opportunity to take part in other projects.
