Simon Utsel awarded 2013 Alf de Ruvo scholarship

By modifying the surface properties of, or by adding new properties to, cellulose-based materials, these can be utilized more effectively in various products.

The research has provided a foundation for the future development of cellulose-based materials and fiber-reinforced composite materials and shows, for example, several methods to improve interfacial adhesion between cellulose fibers and matrix materials in composites.

In February, Simon Utsel will commence a six-month postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University, California, in the US, where he will be a member of Professor Yu Cui’s group and perform research on new opportunities for the use of cellulose-based materials in electronic components, such as batteries, capacitors, touch screens and solar cells. The aim is to tailor the structure of the materials at a nanometer level to optimize the macroscopic properties of components.

Dr. Utsel hopes to be able to contribute his knowledge predominantly in the field of cellulose, but also his polymer, surface and colloid expertise.

Simon Utsel was born in Jönköping, Sweden, in 1984 and holds a Ph.D in Pulp and Paper Chemistry and Technology from the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, in Stockholm, Sweden. His Ph.D was supervised by Professor Lars Wågberg.

The scholarship will be awarded today at a ceremony in Stockholm in conjunction with the Swedish Pulp and Paper Industry’s Ekman Days.

Stockholm, January 22, 2013

For additional information, please contact:

Tom Lindström, Professor KTH/Innventia, +46 8-790 90 35

Jessica Ölvestad, Press and Media Officer SCA, +46 8-788 52 82