| Group Member |
Research Summary |
| Rachel Ernest |
Researching bacterial biosynthesis of natural polymers in highly-refined cellulose fiber slurry and the utilization of these slurries in the production of biodegradable films and solid forms with enhanced material properties. |
| Kelley Spence |
Production optimization of microfibrillated cellulose, and their use for advanced applications such as adsorbents, absorbents, and composites by utilizing supercritical CO2 technology. |
| Justin Zoppe |
Cellulose surface functionalization for nanocomposites and stimuli-responsive cellulose surfaces. Specifically, we are interested in grafting hydrophobic and thermo-responsive polymers on the surface of cellulose nanocrystals (CNX) and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) via surface hydroxyl groups. The grafting methods include “grafting onto” and “grafting from” via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP). Our goal by hydrophobizing CNX surfaces is to increase compatibility within matrices of electrospun nanocomposites and find improvements in thermomechanical properties of these new biomaterials (i.e. Young’s modulus). In addition, MFC and CNX surfaces will be functionalized with thermo-responsive polymer brushes via ATRP yielding “smart” cellulose surfaces. |
| Dr. Joel Pawlak |
His research interests include new materials from natural polymers, micro-cellular foams, organic/inorganic composites, 100 % natural composites, and the physical behavior of paper. His teaches classes in the areas of paper physics, forest biomaterials physics, and product design. |
| Dr. Orlando Rojas |
His research focuses on colloid and surface science and the adsorption behaviors of surfactants and (bio)polymers at solid/liquid interfaces. His group currently works on the dynamics of enzymatic degradation; biosensor development; friction and adhesion in polymeric interfaces; adsorption dynamics and, the separation, derivatization and use of natural polymers and surfactants. |
| Dr. Richard Venditti |
His research interests include (1) novel processing and applications for cellulose, lignin and other forest biomaterials, (2) lignocellulosic feedstocks to produce biofuels, (3) efficient paper recycling processes and (4) life cycle analysis. |
