Research

Our research is focused on current issues and innovative opportunities related to the use of bio-based forest products. Faculty are interested in pioneering advances related to wood and engineered wood characterization and use in various applications (advanced timber science and engineering), and bioproducts derived from wood in industrial applications (green bioproducts science and engineering).

Advanced timber science and engineering

The objective of this program is to characterize both traditional and underutilized wood and wood based materials (include waste biomass) for various engineering and end use applications. We are looking to understand and model the behavior and reliability of engineering materials in complex applications with sustainable buildings and other industrial applications as platforms of choice. Our research focuses on wood and engineered wood composites design, manufacturing and performance, process optimization, environmental performance of wood structures including mass timber building, and wood preservation and durability.

Available equipment

Full manufacturing facility including saws, drying kiln, and wood-based composites manufacturing equipment (mixers, hydraulic press, mechanical press)
Mechanical properties testing including universal tester, impact strenght, E-rated computer system, V-meter ultrasonic system, image analysis system
NIR system
X-ray density profiler
Surface roughness measurement system.
DSC and DMMA
QUV testing system
Data color measuring system.
AAS system for elemental analysis
HPLC and FTIR
Microscopic analysis system
Climatic chambers

Green bioproducts science and engineering

Our green bioproducts science and engineering research program is focused on integrated biorefinery and developing value-added products derived from lignin. Lignin is the most abundant biopolymer that is generated as waste during pulp and bioethanol production processes. Our goal is to replace petroleum-based raw materials with lignin, and develop sustainable, environmentally friendly, cost effective products with similar or superior performance to fossil fuel-based products in the market. Specific examples include lignin-based resins for developing biobased adhesives, coatings, and foams.

Available equipment

Gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) for molecular weight analysis
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (solid state and liquid NMR)
Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer- in annotated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR)
Rheometer for measuring rheology of resins
UV/Vis spectrophotometer
Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) for Tg analysis
Thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) for thermal degradation analysis
Muffle furnace for ash content analysis
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for sugar and aromatic acid analysis
Elemental analyzer
Digital and vacuum ovens
Digital high speed mixer for foam formulation
Spectrophotometer for color measurement (CIE Lab color system)
Glossmeter
Reactor for resin formulation
Adhesion tester
Hardness tester
Digital rotary evaporator and shaker
Digital hot press

Socioeconomics of bioproducts

An area of research that will be/is being integrated into the current focus on chemical and physical attributes of using wood to displace existing GHG intensive options is the socioeconomic costs and benefits of a fossil-to-wood transition, particularly as it relates to business and community development. This will include the essential elements of policies, regulations, and incentives required to enable a transition.