Our Innovative Processing
The RokaCell™
Process
Our Technology
Biorefinery
Platform
Feedstock
Seaweed is an exceptional natural resource, known for its rapid growth—reaching up to 20 inches per day—compared to the decade-long maturity of trees. It’s incredibly abundant, with certain species like Sargassum being invasive, often piling up on shorelines and releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphorus as they decompose. This makes seaweed an ideal raw material for us. Species like Kelp are a powerful carbon sequester, capturing carbon up to 20 times faster than trees. What sets seaweed apart from other raw materials is its ability to thrive without fresh water, arable land, or pesticides, making it a highly sustainable and eco-friendly choice.
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In our process we have a particular focus on brown seaweed like sargassum or kelp due to it's invasiveness on coastal regions.
Seaweed
Cell Wall
The cell wall, rich in cellulose, offers structural support, protection, flexibility, and adaptability, making it more advantageous than the rigid, harder-to-extract cellulose from trees.
Fig. of cellulose molecules
Fig. of cell wall
Fig. of seaweed
Clean Refining
To efficiently extract polymers like cellulose from seaweed, we use our proprietary solvent - TeraSolv™, formulated entirely from natural ingredients. TeraSolv™ facilitates a safe, low-water and energy-efficient extraction process by selectively isolating cellulose and simultaneously functionalizing it at a molecular level. During extraction, TeraSolv™ introduces hydroxyl groups, transforming the cellulose into a high-performing chemistry with enhanced reactivity and versatility. This optimized approach not only reduces environmental impact but also tailors the cellulose for high performance composites across various industries.
TeraSolv™ is made from a blend of sugars & minerals extracted from fruits & vegetables at low temperatures. Once fully blended, the solvent is ready for use.
fig. Sugars
fig. Minerals
To expedite the process of extraction, we heat up the solvent to 70-90 degrees C.
fig. of dried seaweed molecular structure
Dried seaweed is then added to the TeraSolv™, and depending on the temperature, the cellulose extraction begins immediately, completing over a 2-3 hour period.
As TeraSolv™ extracts the cellulose, it infuses its' chemistry onto the cellulose. Thus effectively functionalizing the biopolymer, which enhances its overall properties and performance.
fig. Functionalized seaweed molecular structure
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What We Make
After the cellulose is functionalized and extracted, it is separated from TeraSolv™ through a water rinse. The cellulose is then processed using high-shear mixing equipment to reduce its particle size to the nanoscale, achieving dimensions of 30–50 nm in diameter and 100–500 nm in length. This process creates Seabind™, which can be either uncharged or negatively charged, depending on the functionalization.Seabind™ offers a finely tunable chemistry that serves as a versatile additive for composites. It enhances mechanical strength, reduces material weight and usage, and delivers a host of additional benefits—all at an affordable cost.
Our formulations boosts durability and reduces weight in construction materials.
Our formulations strengthens lightweight parts for better fuel efficiency.
Our formulations enhances strength and flexibility in equipment.
Sporting Goods Composites
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Infrastructure Composites
Transportation Composites
Solution
SeabindUncharged
An innovative seaweed-based nanocellulose that is neutrally charged, with long fibers of 301 to 500nm in length and diameters of <50nm. Seabind™ (uncharged) is an excellent choice for applications where compatibility with non-ionic systems is critical. Its stable structure delivers exceptional reinforcement, improved viscosity control, and mechanical strength without altering the ionic balance of your formulation. This option is ideal for applications in composites, coatings, or formulations requiring chemical neutrality.
Chemical Compatibilty
Particle Suspension
Mechanical Reinforcement
Solution for
Solution
SeabindCharged
An innovative seaweed-based nanocellulose that is negatively charged, with short fibers of 100-300nm in length and diameters of <30nm. Seabind™ (charged) incorporates functional groups that carry a negative charge, enhancing its dispersibility and interaction with positively charged components. This feature improves its performance in applications such as adhesives, paints, and formulations where strong electrostatic interactions or higher stability in ionic systems are desired.
Electrostatic Interactions
Particle Suspension
Mechanical Reinforcement
Solution for
Solution
Searamic
This formulation follows the same process as Seabind™, with further enhanced functionality. After reducing the cellulose biopolymer particles via high-shear mixing, inorganic nano-ceramics derived from natural minerals are homogeneously dispersed within the nanocellulose. This integration gives the nano-cellulose superior performance characteristics over Seabind™, including fire resistance, UV/IR reflectance, electrical insulation, thermal conductivity, and more.
Fire Resistance
UV Reflectance
Surface Modification
Stable White
Anti-Fouling
Solution for
Solution
TeraSolv
Discover the technology that makes it all possible: our TeraSolv™—a game-changing alternative to traditional solvents for cleaner extraction and superior material enhancement. Made by combining industrially available natural resources like sugars, mineral, or organic acids, our solvents are engineered to perform with minimal environmental impact. Whether it's separating cotton from polyester, isolating biopolymers from biomass, or imparting unique chemistries, our refining solvents are designed for it.
Tanning Enhancer
Particle Extraction
Chemical Etching
Solution for
Textile Treatments, Industrial Coatings & Additives
SearamicThis formulation follows the same process as Seabind, with further enhanced functionality. After reducing the cellulose biopolymer particles via high-shear mixing, inorganic nano-ceramics derived from natural minerals are homo genously dispersed within the nanocellulose. This integration gives the nanocellulose superior performance characteristics over Seabind,including fire resistance, UV/IR reflectance, electrical insulation, thermal conductivity, and more.
Learn MoreDiscover the technology that makes it all possible: our refining solvents—a game-changing alternative to traditional solvents for cleaner extraction and superior material enhancement. Made by combining industrially available natural resources like sugars, mineral, or organic acids, our solvents are engineered to perform with minimal environmental impact. Whether it's separating cotton from polyester, isolating biopolymers from biomass, or imparting unique chemistries, our refining solvents are designed for it.
Learn More.svg)
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