Behind the Scenes at Åbo Akademi with Rodney Salazar

Meet doctoral researcher Rodney Salazar from Åbo Akademi University. Under the supervision of professor Chunlin Xu and senior lecturer Jan Gustafsson, Rodney is investigating the role of oxygen in different pre-treatment methods of novel pulping processes. 

Understanding the role of oxygen in the very beginning of the process is pivotal when producing high yield and high-quality fibres. Aiming at zero emissions, Rodney’s research will help scientist working on novel pulping chemistries to take into account the molecular changes caused by oxygen and how it affects de-lignification and fibre liberation.

Emission Free Pulping is a 5-year research program led by VTT and RISE that aims to significantly reduce biomass burning and increase the product yield from wood from approximately 50% to around 70%. The program is projected to have a budget of around 15 million euros over the next five years.