Photo: Veikka Koskinen
In his doctoral dissertation, MSc (Tech) Jukka Koskinen investigated how kraft lignin, a renewable by-product of the forest industry, can be more effectively used as a filler in butadiene rubber. His research showed that rubber performance depends mainly on eliminating large lignin agglomerates rather than reducing average particle size, and that high mixing temperatures are the most effective way to improve lignin dispersion. Better dispersion increased strength and wear resistance, while specific silane additives further improved rubber–filler interactions. The findings provide new tools for measuring lignin dispersion and practical guidance for developing more sustainable rubber products, such as tyres, with reduced reliance on fossil-based reinforcing fillers.
The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Tech) Jukka Koskinen in the field of Materials Science titled Methods for Quantifying and Enhancing Kraft Lignin Dispersion in Butadiene Rubber will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University on 6 November 2026.
The Opponent will be Doctor Martin Bellander from Traton SE, Sweden. The Custos will be Professor Essi Sarlin from the faculty of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Tampere University.