[January 22, 2013]

SCA: Simon Utsel Awarded 2013 Alf de Ruvo Scholarship

SCA (Svenska Cellulosa AB)(STO:SCAA)(STO:SCAB)

The 2013 Alf de Ruvo scholarship, worth SEK 500,000, has been awarded to Dr. Simon Utsel for his pioneering work on surface modification of cellulose-based materials.

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 S, 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.

SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest company that develops and produces personal care products, tissue and forest products. Sales are conducted in some 100 countries. SCA has many well-known brands, including the global brands TENA and Tork. Sales in 2011 amounted to SEK 106 billion (EUR 11.7 billion). SCA has approximately 37,000 employees. More information at www.sca.com

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