IPST and the Institute of Materials (IMat) co-hosted a colloquium December 13 [2013] on “Innovation in Lignocellulosic Materials.”  The Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute also sponsored the event which was co-chaired by Professors Preet Singh and Art Ragauskas. The purpose of the colloquium was to bring together the broad range of researchers at Georgia Tech working on lignocellulosic materials, and to identify opportunities for collaboration in research endeavors.

IMat executive director David McDowell led with an overview of the Institute of Materials at Georgia Tech.   IMat is an important partner in the National Materials Genome Initiative.  On campus, it conducts colloquia, of which the lignocellulosics event is one example, through which it convenes expertise in key fields of materials research.  IPST executive director Norman Marsolan provided a look at the importance of forest-based lignocellulosic materials to the economy of Georgia and the United States, identified many areas across campus conducting research connected to lignocellulosic materials, and described the forest bioproducts industry’s research priorities in the area.

Challenges in lignocellulosic research were described.  Materials Science assistant professor Meisha Shofner discussed her team’s work on the use of cellulose nanomaterials in polymer matrix composites, and Dr. Chris Jones discussed building-block chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass.

There followed about a dozen short research presentations ranging from construction of lignocellulosic materials, structures and composites, including surface reactions and unique properties (e.g., auxetic behavior), to separations techniques such as membranes and deconstructive technologies such as pyrolysis under varying conditions.  Potential uses of nanocellulose and other lignocellulosic materials were also shown.  Additional applications possibilities mentioned during the open discussion concluding the event were superabsorbency applications such as military footwear and personal hygiene; medical devices; impact-resistant films; and many electronics and automotive uses.

Additional sessions are planned. For further information, contact Dr Marsolan at norman.marsolan@ipst.gatech.edu or Dr McDowell at david.mcdowell@me.gatech.edu.