Purpose:
To develop methods for producing biodegradable tannin-based polymers from softwood bark for replacement or complements of the traditional waste-water treatment chemicals (e.g. PAM, FeCl3). The performance of prepared tannin-based polymers will be tested both at laboratory and pilot scale for various waste waters.
Impact:
Fossil-based chemicals could be replaced in wastewater treatment with novel biomaterials made from the by-products of the forest industry. Close collaboration with the forest and chemical industries and waste-water treatment plants will promote practical application of the results.