Research Studies2020 Doctoral Graduate Students

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On the Frontline of Emerging Opportunities

Our department is recognized globally for its expertise in:

The Department of Forest Biomaterials is a research powerhouse with an ecosystem built for achievement and collaboration. Using fundamental science and applied engineering skills, coupled with financial and life cycle analyses, our faculty and students examine the practical uses of forest biomass as renewable resources that could form the basis for many products of the future, including biofuels,

bioenergy, bioplastics, chemicals, housing materials, composite components and more.

We call on NC State’s proprietary strengths in new technologies and frequently work with other departments or units across campus to examine uncharted areas related to our fields. Our

interdisciplinary research teams link biotechnology, nanotechnology and other new sciences with wood science and pulp and paper processes to explore new options in fiber sourcing, recycling methods,

innovative uses for materials previously thought to be waste, and improvements in manufacturing and processing methods.

h Renewable chemicals and energy h Business processes and innovation h Sustainable materials and technology

h Advanced manufacturing h Novel forest-based biomaterials h Paper science and processes

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Hands-On and Future-FocusedGraduate programs in the Department of Forest Biomaterials emphasize hands-on research, teaching and

real-world field opportunities. Our master’s and Ph.D. students work alongside world-class faculty and industry leaders to learn the theory and applications of chemistry, physics and engineering as it pertains

to biomaterial science and engineering. Major areas of activity are concentrated in the bioenergy, biopolymers, wood and paper fields.

Students who successfully complete our graduate degree programs are in high demand throughout the United States and around the world. Our alumni fill leadership roles in management, research, technical

services, marketing, engineering, and academia across a wide variety of sectors involving wood and paper sciences, paper engineering and, most recently, forest biomaterials.

Contact Information

For more information about our students and our unique program, please contact Dr. Joel Pawlak, Director of Graduate Programs, or Michele Serrano, Program Coordinator, at fb_graduate@ncsu.edu.

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Dr. Dimitris ArgyropoulosWood chemistry, biomaterial characterization, carbohydrate, lignin, polymer chemistry

Dr. Medwick Byrd Mechanical, chemical and non-wood pulping, bleaching, agricultural residue processing

Dr. Hou-Min Chang Chemistry of lignin, pulping and bleaching processes, and biomass conversion

Dr. Ronalds GonzalezConversion economics and sustainability. Co-director, Tissue Pack Innovation Lab

Dr. Hasan JameelPulping and bleaching processes, chemistry of lignin

Dr. Steve Kelley Sustainable production of energy and materials from biomass

Dr. Frederik Laleicke Educational programs and assistance for wood waste and reclaimed wood utilization in North Carolina

Dr. Nathalie LavoineRenewable nanomaterials, biopolymers, active and intelligent packaging, controlled release systems, sustainable processing

Dr. Marko HakovirtaPhysics, materials science, sustainable technologies, innovation management and economics, new product commercialization

Dr. Lucian LuciaGreen chemistry, fiber and polymer science, chemical modification of polysaccharides

Dr. Phillip MitchellValue-added wood products, lumber cut-up improvement, lumber drying, wood properties and behavior

Dr. Martin Hubbe Papermaking wet-end chemistry; colloidal and surface chemistry of cellulosic materials

Our Faculty

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Dr. Lokendra PalFunctional coatings, smart packaging, digital/3D printing, printed electronics

Dr. Sunkyu ParkBiomass reactivity, biorefinery development for biofuels and bio-based products, dissolving pulp applications

Dr. Melissa PasquinelliFibrous and biopolymeric materials, environmental chemistry, interfacial engineering, molecular modeling

Dr. Joel PawlakEngineering multiphase materials, enzymatic manipulation of material structure, nanoscale fiber composites

Dr. Perry PeraltaWood physical properties, wood mechanics, statistical process control

Dr. Richard PhililpsCost and financial analysis of pulp/paper and biorefinery operations

Dr. Daniel SaloniProcess improvement, supply chain, biomass and bioenergy conversion

Dr. David TilottaHousing and analytical chemistry, chemical contamination, decontamination of wood

Dr. Richard VendittiModification and utilization of biopolymers in new products, paper recycling, environmental life cycle analysis

Dr. Yuan YaoIndustrial ecology, sustainable engineering, data analytics, quantitative analysis for accelerating RD&D in renewable energy technologies

Dr. Ilona PeszlenWood anatomy and properties, effects of environment on wood and fiber properties, utilization of plantation wood

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Select Student Research

Salonika Aggarwal, Ph.D. Summer 2020Novel industrial applications of supercritical CO2  for drying, extraction and 3D printing

pg 10 Mochen Liao, Ph.D. Summer 2022 Quantifying energy demand and GHG emissions of activated carbon production from diverse woody biomass

pg 18

David Cruz Rios, Ph.D. Fall 2023 Techno-economic analysis for the production of fuels and polymer precursors from biomass- derived carbohydrates

pg 11 A. Griffin Miller, Ph.D. Spring 2022 Enzymatic extraction of xylo-oligosaccharides from hardwood bleached pulp

pg 19

Soojin Kwon, Ph.D. Summer 2022 Aquatic biodegradation of nonwoven disposable structures

pg 17 Marielis C. Zambrano, Ph.D. Fall 2020 Microfiber release during laundering and their biodegradability in aquatic environments

pg 25

Joseph Nicolas Gutierrez Pena, M.S. Summer 2020Sustainable biomaterials to reduce the environmental impact of single-use disposable plastics

pg 13 William (Joe) Sagues, Ph.D. Summer 2020 Bio-based materials for energy storage and CO2 removal

pg 21

Juliana Jardim, Ph.D. Fall 2021 Assessment of the chemical structure and properties of kraft lignins

pg 14 Khandoker Salem, Ph.D. Fall 2020 Elucidation of the nanofibrillated cellulose reactivity for efficient production and controlled surface grafting

pg 22

Matt Kollman, Ph.D. Spring 2020 Kraft lignin upgrading through catalytic hydrogenolysis and chemical modification

pg 15 Heather Starkey, Ph.D. Spring 2022 Nanocellulose functionalization and application for light-weight and sustainable packaging s olutions

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Rajnish Kumar, Ph.D. Summer 2022 Developing potential applications for alternative natural fibers, specialty papers, non-woven and biocomposites

pg 16 Ramakrishna Trovagunta, Ph.D. Summer 2021 Understanding the synergy between lignin and cellulose nanomaterials for advanced functional foams

pg 24

Mrittika Debnath, Ph.D. Fall 2022 Modification of fiber to develop sustainable and biodegradable products

pg 12 Hyeonji Park, Ph.D. Summer 2022 Catalytic upgrading of carbohydrates in waste streams to hydrocarbons

pg 20

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Salonika Aggarwal

Research Advisors: Dr. Marko Hakovirta

Research Interests: Industrial applications of supercritical carbon dioxide in drying and extraction, formulation of novel biocomposites for 3D printing and its diverse applications

Skills: Material characterization, drying technology development, extraction technology development, development of biocomposites, additive manufacturing, microbiological testing

Education: M.Tech Pulp and Paper Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India, 2013 B.Tech Biotechnology, Kurukshetra University, India, 2011

Experience: Technical Officer, Food Corporation of India, India, July 2014 - Dec 2017 Assistant Professor, Bharat Institute of Technology, July 2013 - March 2014

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2020

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

NOVEL INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF SUPERCRITICAL CO2 FOR DRYING, EXTRACTION AND 3D PRINTING

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David Cruz Rios

Research Advisors: Dr. Sunkyu Park and Dr. Ronalds Gonzalez

Research Interests: Biorefinery development for biofuels and bio-based products

Skills: Process development, modeling and optimization for techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA)

Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2011

Experience: Recovery Boiler and Paper Machine Process Engineer, Smurfit Kappa, January 2012 - July 2019

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Fall 2023

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FUELS AND POLYMER PRECURSORS FROM BIOMASS-DERIVED CARBOHYDRATES

DECONSTRUCTION

FEEDSTOCK

BIOFUELS / POLYMER PRECURSORS

SIMULATION AND PROCESS DATA

TEA & LCA

ü CAPITAL COSTü OPERATING COSTü EMISSION INVENTORY

ü BIOPRODUCTS SELLING PRICEü EMISSION INTENSITY

-OPT

IMIZ

ATIO

N -

General Objective:

Develop and optimizing processes for converting carbohydrates from organic waste streams into biofuels and/or polymer precursors both economically and sustainably.

Specific Objectives:

9 Propose the chemical path to upgrade carbohydrates to hydrocarbon products that can be blended into jet or diesel fuel.

9 Determine an economically feasible process for the production of bio-based PET precursors.

$CO2

BIOMASS FEEDSTOCK

CATALYTIC REACTIONS

DECONSTRUCTIONBIOFUELS

BIO-PRODUCTS

PROFITABLE

SUSTAINABLE

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Mrittika Debnath

Research Advisors: Dr. Lokendra Pal

Research Interests: Cellulose-based bioproducts, sustainable barrier coatings and composites, 3D printable/moldable biomaterials

Skills: Expert in cellulose-based bioproducts, chromatography and spectroscopy. Works well individually or in a team

Education: M.S. Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, 2018 M.S. Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, 2015 B.S. Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, 2013

Experience: Research Assistant in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Visiting Researcher in Bangladesh Institute of Public Health

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Fall 2022

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

MODIFICATION OF FIBER TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

O2 H2O Grease, oils (l)

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Motivation: Innovate alternative fibers and chemistries (fluorochemicals free) to develop sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials. These materials are expected to expand the accessibility and use of bioproducts to replace their less-sustainable counterparts.

Create a systematic understanding of the influences of mechanical and chemical treatment of different lignocellulose materials.Measure changes in surface morphology and chemistry, and resulting changes in functional properties such as oil and grease resistance, moisture, and oxygen barrier.

(1) Prepare multiscale cellulose substrates from different feedstocks with varying mechanical and chemical modifications.

(2) Perform surface functionalization using nanocellulose-based coatings and composites.

(3) Quantify fundamental material properties such as morphology, chemistry, and crystallinity, and correlate the resulting changes with functional properties such as oil and grease resistance.

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Joseph Nicolas Gutierrez Pena

Research Advisors: Dr. Lokendra Pal and Dr. Richard Venditti

Research Interests: Plastics pollution, paper straws, proteins, coating, biodegradable alternatives, sustainable biopolymers, materials characterization

Skills: Biopolymers development, characterization and testing, coating applications, paper testing, protein analysis

Education: M.S. Forest Biomaterials, NCSU, 2018-2020, B.S. Chemical Engineering, ULA, Merida, Venezuela, 2017

Experience: Research Assistant 2018 - 2020, Teaching Assistant 2019 - 2020

Website: www.researchgate.net/profile/Joseph_Gutierrez5 www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-gutierrez-peña-b6a242145

Masters Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2020

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SINGLE-USE DISPOSABLE PLASTICS

• Evaluate tobacco derived protein (TDP) and alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) as binder in paper and paperboard coating application

• Compare TDP and APC with soy protein isolate (SPI) as an alternative to latex (SBR)

• Determine the impact of the protein structure on the coating properties

• Reduction of synthetic polymers in coating application

• Sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers

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Juliana Jardim

Research Advisors: Dr. Lucian Lucia, Dr. Hasan Jameel, Dr. Hou-min Chang and Dr. Peter Hart

Research Interests: Sustainability, lignocellulosic processing, biorefinery, biopolymers, lignin properties and opportunities

Skills: Adaptability, open minded, responsibility, dedication to goals, teamwork, resourcefulness, problem solving

Education: M.S. Pulp and Paper Technology, NC State University, 2017 B.S. Forest Engineering, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2014

Experience: Several internships/projects dealing with biomass quality, bioenergy, and pulp and paper manufacturing

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-jardim-033a6a59 www.researchgate.net/profile/Juliana_Marangon_Jardim

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Fall 2021

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

ASSESSMENT OF THE CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF KRAFT LIGNINS

Motivation: Lack of understanding of hardwood lignin precipitation is a significant hurdle toward its fully characterization and utilization

Lignin Applications:

Lignin precipitation and characterization

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Matt Kollman

Research Advisors: Dr. Hasan Jameel and Dr. Hou-min Chang

Research Interests: Renewable feedstock upgrading, polymer chemistry, catalytic deconstruction of lignin to chemicals and fuels

Skills: Natural polymer characterization, process development and modelling for lab and industrial scale operations

Education: M.S. Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2013 B.S. Chemical Engineering; B.S. Paper Science and Engineering, NC State University, 2011

Experience: Process Engineer, Robins and Morton, May 2013 - May 2016

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Spring 2020

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

KRAFT LIGNIN UPGRADING THROUGH CATALYTIC HYDROGENOLYSIS AND CHEMICAL MODIFICATION

Motivation

• Create value for pulp and paper and other biorefinery industries

• Develop sustainable alternative source of carbon for plastics, chemicals and liquid fuels

Future Biorefinery

Depolymerization

Disassembly of lignin network

Lignin Oil Upgrading

Create aviation-grade fuel from kraft lignin

Chemical Modification

Investigate lignin modification methodologies and applications

Catalytic Hydrogenolysis

Hydrotreating or Functionalization

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Rajnish Kumar

Research Advisors: Dr. Ronalds Gonzalez and Dr. Hasan Jameel

Research Interests: Alternative natural fibers applications, specialty papers, non-woven, biocomposites, cost and financial analysis, integrated supply chain analysis

Skills: Fiber characterization, non-wood pulping and bleaching, techno-economic analysis

Education: MBA. Finance, Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur, 2018 B Tech. Pulp and Paper Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, 2012

Experience: Credit and Underwriting, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, May 2018 - July 2019 Sales and Service, Voith Paper, July 2012 - May 2016

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/rajnishkumar90

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2022

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE NATURAL FIBERS, SPECIALTY PAPERS, NON-WOVEN AND BIOCOMPOSITES

Fiber Characterization

• Fiber Structure & Morphology• Mechanical Properties• Chemical Composition• Thermal Properties• Surface Composition

• Fique Vs Abaca Vs Sisal Fibers• Wood Fibers• Synthetic Fibers

Fiber Benchmarking

TEA

Potential Applications

• Chemical Treatments• Pulping & Bleaching• Refining Studies• Enzymatic modifications

• Specialty Papers• Nonwovens• Bio-composites

Fiber Modifications

• Technical & Financial Feasibility

Motivation • Develop eco-friendly cost

effective substitutes for petroleum based synthetic fibers and scarce wood resources

• Create values for the farmers of natural fibers

Problem StatementInformation regarding natural fibers is scattered and there are wide variations in the morphological and mechanical properties as reported in literature. Lack of standards and high variability in the properties of various natural fibers are key deterrent in their generalized applications.

Leaf-based natural fibers such as abaca, fique and sisai are very stiff and are considered among the strongest fibers available on Earth. Characterizing them in terms of their various properties and benchmarking against other fibers would help in unlocking their potential applications.

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Soojin Kwon

Research Advisors: Dr. Richard Venditti and Dr. Joel Pawlak

Research Interests: Aquatic biodegradation of natural and synthetic polymers and nonwoven structures

Skills: Polymers and nonwovens characterization, aquatic biodegradation and composting

Education: M.S. Environmental Materials science, Seoul National University, 2019 B.S. Environmental Materials Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 2017

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2022

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

AQUATIC BIODEGRADATION OF NONWOVEN DISPOSABLE STRUCTURES

Plastic waste, including those from nonwoven materials

• Drastically increased → aquatic ecosystem impacts

Nonwoven products: A large spectrum of raw materials

• ranging from natural fibers to man-made fibers → Complexity of nonwoven biodegradation

Society’s demand for environmental-friendly products

Understand the physical and chemical factors that determine the aquatic biodegradability of nonwoven structures

Structural properties• Web formation• Bonding process

Raw materials• Renewable / Synthetic polymers

Mechanical properties

Microfiber generation

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Mochen LiaoPh.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2022

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

QUANTIFYING ENERGY DEMAND AND GHG EMISSIONS OF ACTIVATED CARBON PRODUCTION FROM DIVERSE WOODY BIOMASS

Research Advisors: Dr. Yuan Yao and Dr. Stephen S. Kelley

Research Interests: Life cycle assessment, artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation of biomaterials and bioenergy production

Skills: Programming for AI models, chemical process simulation

Education: B.S. Applied Chemistry and Computer Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, 2017

Experience: Machine learning internship, ExLattice, October 2019 - January 2020

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/mochen-liao

Motivation: Life cycle inventory data gap of activated carbon production processes and the importance of activated carbon in soil amendment and wastewater treatment.

Activated Carbon Production:

• Develop the model for simulating different activated carbon production processes

• Investigate the influences of feedstocks and operational condition in producing activated carbon

• Reduce the process energy consumption and GHG emission of activated carbon production

Artificial Neural Network

Pyrolysis Kinetic Model

Process Simulation

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A. Griffin Miller

Research Advisors: Dr. Sunkyu Park and Dr. Richard Venditti

Research Interests: Biomass upgrading, value-added products, selective modification, polymer chemistry

Skills: Enzyme characterization and utilization, organic chemistry, biochemical assays

Education: B.S. Biochemistry; Minor in Physics, North Carolina State University, 2019

Experience: Quality Control Intern, Novozymes, May 2017- September 2017

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-miller-agm

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Spring 2022

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

ENZYMATIC EXTRACTION OF XYLO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES FROM HARDWOOD BLEACHED PULP

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Hyeonji Park

Research Advisors: Dr. Sunkyu Park and Dr. Hasan Jameel

Research Interests: Biomass upgrading, waste stream separation, renewable chemical conversion, chemical modification

Skills: Biochemical characterization, pretreatment and development of waste resources to intermediates

Education: M.S. Department of Forest Sciences, Seoul National University, 2018 B.S. Department of Forest Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Resources, Seoul National University, 2016

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/hyeonjipark

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2022

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

CATALYTIC UPGRADING OF CARBOHYDRATES IN WASTE STREAMS TO HYDROCARBONS

Goal:To convert carbohydrates recovered from wet waste stream into hydrocarbon biofuel

Motivation: To suggest the beneficial and sustainable chain of using waste resources for high value-added product instead of landfill or lagoon

Pretreatment of wet waste streamRecovery of carbohydrates

Development of intermediateHigh sugar conversion rate(e.g. enzymatic hydrolysis)High yield of furan derivatives

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William (Joe) Sagues

Research Advisors: Dr. Sunkyu Park and Dr. Hasan Jameel

Research Interests: Bio-based energy storage materials, CO2 capture and utilization, lignin valorization, systems-level innovation

Skills: Biomass graphitization, lignin solvolysis, fermentation, industrial bioprocessing, techno-economic analysis

Education: M.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 2015 M.S. Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, 2015 B.S. Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, 2012

Experience: Graduate Student Research Fellow, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, 2020 Technology-to-Market Scholar, U.S. Department of Energy, ARPA-E, 2018 Bioprocess Engineer, University of Florida and Georgia Pacific, 2012 - 2015

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2020

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

BIO-BASED MATERIALS FOR ENERGY STORAGE AND CO2 REMOVAL

• Graphite constitutes ≈ 15 - 30 wt% of Li-ion batteries

• 115 Li-ion “megafactories” in development for electric vehicle deployment

• Innovative, sustainable methods for producing battery-grade graphite needed

• Convert lignocellulosic biomass to battery-grade graphite

• Use earth abundant catalyst and low temperature treatment

• Develop cost-effective process

20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 1200 1400 1600 1800

X-ray diffraction Raman spectroscopy

Catalyzed production of graphite at moderate temperatures

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Khandoker Salem

Research Advisors: Dr. Lokendra Pal and Dr. Lucian Lucia

Research Interests: Surface modification, polymer chemistry, fiber modification for barrier properties application

Skills: Surface modification, microscopic visualization of fiber morphology, barrier properties application

Education: M.S. Materials Science and Engineering, NC State University, 2017 M.S. Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, 2012 B.S. Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, 2010

Experience: Lecturer, Daffodil International University, August 2012 - April 2014 Lecturer, University of Dhaka, April 2014 - August 2015

Website: www.researchgate.net/profile/Khandoker_Salem

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Fall 2020

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

ELUCIDATION OF THE NANOFIBRILLATED CELLULOSE REACTIVITY FOR EFFICIENT PRODUCTION AND CONTROLLED SURFACE GRAFTING

Motivation

Global Packaging Trend

Sustainability will be the top trend

Food Safety and Performance are and will remain top trend

Cost falls in importance

Food preservation& food security for growing population

§ Use Cellulose nanofibrils for barrier properties

§ Chemical modification of cellulose nanofibrils to impart hydrophobic properties

2000 1500 1000

Tran

smitt

ance

(T%

)

Wave Number (cm-1)

Modified NFC Unmodified NFC

17401370

1229

SBHK

SBHK Suspension

Grinding Stone (Fixed)

Grinding Stone (Rotate)

Gap width

reduced2500 rpm

NFC gel

Diluted NFC suspension

Acetylated NFC

Wavenumber

Tran

smitt

ance

Water In

Water Out

ClampThermometer

Oil

Magnetic Stirrer

1740 1370

1229

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Heather StarkeyPh.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Spring 2022

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

NANOCELLULOSE FUNCTIONALIZATION AND APPLICATION FOR LIGHT-WEIGHT AND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Develop stronger, lighter packaging materials

Enhance barrier properties such as oil and grease resistance

Develop pathways to enhance or mitigate nanocellulose dewatering

Sustainable materials solutions

Provide food security

Support e-commerce growth

Aid the development of a circular economy

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Lignin-containing nanofibrils& chemical

modification

+

Recycled Old

Corrugated Container Handsheet

properties tested

according to TAPPI standard

methods

Unbleached softwood

Research Advisors: Dr. Lokendra Pal and Dr. Hasan Jameel

Research Interests: Smart packaging, chemical modification of polysaccharides and data analytics

Skills: Advanced process engineering, data analysis/visualization, sustainable materials and chemistry, mentoring

Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, B.S. Paper Science and Engineering, NC State University, 2017

Experience: Three years of industrial experience leading process and product development in the paper industry globally

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/heatherstarkey

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Ramakrishna TrovaguntaPh.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Summer 2021

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

UNDERSTANDING THE SYNERGY BETWEEN LIGNIN AND CELLULOSE NANOMATERIALS FOR ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL FOAMS

Research Advisors: Dr. Nathalie Lavoine and Dr. Stephen S. Kelley

Research Interests: Biopolymers, wood, cellulose nanomaterials, lignin, foams, renewable materials, cushioning materials

Skills: Production and characterization of cellulose nanomaterials, infrared, UV-visible and dynamic light spectroscopy, 3D printing, benchtop scanning electron microscopy

Education: M.R. Nanoengineering, Materials Science and Engineering, NC State University, 2018 B.Tech. Nanotechnology, SRM University, 2016

Experience: Mentoring Experiences: Summer 2020 (Research experience for undergraduates) Lab Manager: Fall 2018 - Present

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/ramakrishna-trovagunta-05b06677

Woody-biomass as a greener alternative to

petroleum-based plastics

Woody-biomass to advanced functional ligno-nanocellulose foams

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Marielis C. Zambrano

Research Advisors: Dr. Richard Venditti and Dr. Joel Pawlak

Research Interests: Microplastic pollution, polymer biodegradation, biomaterials, sustainability, and circular economy

Skills: Characterization of polymeric materials, biodegradability testing, and bacterial community analysis

Education: B. S. Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela, 2014

Experience: Project Manager and Sustainability Manager, Procter and Gamble, April 2014 - December 2016

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/marieliszambrano

Ph.D. Forest Biomaterials, Expected Graduation Fall 2020

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: METHODS:

MICROFIBER RELEASE DURING LAUNDERING AND THEIR BIODEGRADABILITY IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS

Microplastics are EVERYWHERE!!!

www.adventurescientists.org/microplastics.html

Seafood Beer

Tap Water Sea Salt“Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic polymer particles with

regular or irregular shape and with size ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm” (Frias and Nash, 2019).

Main sources of primary MPs: micro size fibers or “MICROFIBERS” released from textiles during laundering

(Boucher and Friot, 2017).

Study the fate and role of textile natural fibers in the anthropogenic pollution of freshwater and

marine environments

Rayon Cotton Polyester/Cotton Polyester

O2 CO2

H2O Biomass

Microfiber Generation

SDL Atlas Launder-Ometer

Accelerated Laundering Experiments

Load4 in x 4 in (0.006 Lb.)

Home Laundering Experiments

Washing Machine

Load4 Lb.

Aerobic Biodegradation

%𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 = 𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑶𝑶𝑻𝑻

*100

Polymer +𝑂𝑂< → 𝐶𝐶𝑂𝑂< + 𝐻𝐻<𝑂𝑂 + 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 + 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

Respirometer RSA PF-8000

Oxygen Uptake (Ou)Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD)

T = 25°CTest medium = Inoculum + Nutrients

Standards: ISO 14851 / ASTM D6691

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