Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This research has focused on improving the economic potential wood products and wood derivatives by enhancing their adhesion, dispersion, and processing. This has been accomplished through a series of chemical and physical modifications using novel copolymers, chemical modifications, and electron beam processing optimized to improve natural fiber and polymer composites. The research has been presented at several international meetings and has drawn the attention of industrial partners. During the past several years we have discovered new methods for improving the dispersion of cellulosics and lignin in nonpolar solvents and matrices using a carbohydrate byproduct of a cellulosic biorefinery. In addition, additives were newly applied to wood polymer composites and cured with success via electron beam radiation. This technology reduces the creep of polymer composites by 50%, which has been a major problem with composite durability. Many other polymer composites have been produced that have reduced their susceptibility to degradation using different wood species and natural additives such as tannins. Work will continue to improve the utilization of natural fiber composites and composite adhesion. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators: Mark Dadmun - Chemistry, Timothy G. Rials - FWF, Adam Taylor - FWF, William Griffith - ORNL, Duane Bruns - Chemical Engineering, Gilles Sebe - University of Bordeaux, Timothy Young - FWF, Nihat Cetin - KSU Turkey, Nilgul Cetin - KSU Turkey, Warren Grigsby - SCION New Zealand, Johannes Konnerth - BOKU Austria, Joseph Bozell - FWF. Postdoctoral Fellows: Dr. Jae-Woo Kim, Dr. Rhea Gelderloos-Sammons, Dr. Ipec Celen, Dr. Pillipe Tingaut Research Coodinators: Mr. Timothy Stortz Graduate Students: Mr. Timothy Starr (M.S. Chemical Engineering 2010) is working on the interaction of wood and E-beam curable adhesives. Ms. Jetana Kitisenee (M.S. Forestry 2010) is working on the impact of radiation treatment on woody cell wall morphology. Undergraduate Students: Mr. Cory Anderson, Mr. Edward Buehler, Mr. Kendrick Stiles TARGET AUDIENCES: We are targeting our research products primarily to industry to spur the rapid adoption and dissemination of our technologies. In addition, we are informing local producers that there may be developing markets for their low valued timber resources. Further, there is currently the opportunity to move lignocellulosic materials into nontraditional industries, and these audiences are also being targeted. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Issue: Utilization of residual lignin from biorefineries to produce high value products. Response: Novel processing methods developed through this work has proven to be effective in dispersing lignin and nanocrystalline cellulose in nonpolar matrices and weakly polar solvents. Fundamental understanding of copolymer architecture led to improvements in the development of coupling agents for wood plastic composites and blends. Impact: This paves the way for the use of lignin and nano-crystalline cellulose in composites, which could contribute $4 billion dollars annually to rural economies. 2) Issue: Wood-plastic composites have poor creep performance. Response: Similar to automobile tires, additives have been discovered that form a complete molecular network that reduces material creep by 50% after electron beam treatment. Impact: This paves the way to use wood-plastics in structural applications where their creep performance limited their use.
Publications
- D. P. Harper, P. Tingaut, N. Henry, T. G. Rials, and M. D. Dadmun. 2008. Compatibilization of lignocellulosic fibers with synthetic polymers using triblock copolymers as coupling agents. Pacific Rim Biobased Composites Symposium. Rotorua, New Zealand.
- M. Jebrane, D. Harper, N. Labbe, G. Sebe. 2011. Comparative determination of the grafting distribution and viscoelastic properties of wood blocks acetylated by vinyl acetate or acetic anhydride. Carbohydrate Polymers.
- K. A. Crookston, T. M. Young, D. P. Harper, F Guess. 2011. Statistical reliability analyses of two wood plastic composite extrusion processes. Reliability Engineering and System Safety.
- D. P. Harper, G. F. Dorsey, T. Stortz, T. G. Rials, W. L. Griffith. 2009. Dual-cure low-temperature and electron-beam curable resins for wood composites. ANTEC. Chicago, IL.
- D. P. Harper, G. Dorsey, T. Stortz, T. G. Rials, and W. L. Griffith. 2009. Radiation and dual radiation-thermal cure adhesives for wood composites. International Conference on Wood Adhesives. September 28-30, 2009. South Lake Tahoe, NV.
- Nihat S. Cetin, Nilgul Ozmen, Philippe Tingaut, D. P. Harper. 2009. Chemical Modification of Cellulose Whiskers with Acetic Anhydride. The Tenth International Conference on Woodfiber-Plastic Composites. Madison, WI. May 2009.
- T. G. Rials (presenter), D. P. Harper, N. Labbe, S. Wang. 2009. Extracting wood flakes for composite panel innovation: Assessment of process stream characteristics. 43rd International Wood Composites Symposium. Seattle, WA.
- J. W. Kim, D. P. Harper, A. M. Taylor. 2008. Effect of wood species on water sorption and durability of wood plastic composites. Wood and Fiber Science.
- P. Tingaut, N. Henry, T. G. Rials, D. P. Harper, M. Dadmun. 2008. Compatibilization of natural fibers with synthetic polymers using triblock copolymers as coupling agents. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics.
- I. Celen, D. P. Harper, N. Labbe. 2008. A multivariate approach to acetylated poplar wood samples using NIR. Holzforschung.
- P. Tingaut, N. S. Cetin, N. Ozmen, N. Henry, D. P. Harper, M. Dadmun, G. Sebe. 2009. The acetylation of cellulose nanowhiskers with vinyl acetate under moderate conditions. Macromolecular Bioscience.
- J. W. Kim, D. P. Harper, A. M. Taylor. 2009. Effect of extractives on water sorption and durability of wood-plastic composites. Wood and Fiber Science.
- J. W. Kim, D. P. Harper, A. M. Taylor. 2009. Effect of wood species on the mechanical and thermal properties of WPCs. Journal of Applied Polymer Science.
- J. Konnerth, D. P. Harper, S. H. Lee, T. G. Rials, W. Gindl. 2008. Adhesive penetration of wood cell walls investigated by scanning thermal microscopy. Holzforschung.
- M. Gaugler, W. J. Grigsby, D. P. Harper, T. G. Rials. 2007. Chemical imaging of the spatial distribution and interaction of tannin dispersal in bioplastic systems. Advanced Materials Research.
- D. P. Harper, M. P. Wolcott. 2006. Chemical imaging of wood-polypropylene composites. Applied Spectroscopy.
- D. P. Harper. 2010 Engineering Composite Materials Interfaces. Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi. November 4, 2010. Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
- D. P. Harper, G. Dorsey, and W. L. Griffith. 2010. Radiation Curing of Adhesives. The International Wood Composites Symposium. March 29, 2010. Seattle, WA.
- D. P. Harper, R. J. Sammons, N. Labbe, T. G. Rials, and T. Elder. 2008. Adding value to cellulosic ethanol. Contribution des sciences and industries du bois aux defies du development durable, 5th Colloque Sciences and Industries du Bois, ARBORA. Bordeaux, France.
- D. P. Harper, T. G. Rials, G. Dorsey, and W. L. Griffith. 2008. Opportunities for Low-Temperature Radiation Cured Adhesive in Natural Fiber Based Composites. Pacific Rim Biobased Composites Symposium. Rotorua, New Zealand.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this reporting period we have concentrated on four distinct research efforts looking at improving 1) dispersion of nanocellulosic fibers with amphiphiles, 2) investigating the rheology and processing of lignin, 3) looking at impact of hemicellulose extraction on composite panel production, and 4) investigating interaction of electron beams with the woody substrates and wood-adhesive substrate systems. Pertaining to the first research area, we have been able to produce a quantity of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with great regularity. We have created several dispersions of CNC with the amphiphiles, but continue to have some difficulty in finding a compatible solvent system that is appropriate for both amphiphiles and CNC to aid in dispersion. As a result, we continue to have agglomeration of CNC while the amphiphiles precipitate out of solution. We have had success in screening candidate lignins for the production of carbon fibers. The lignin is being produced in the Center for Renewable Carbon (CRC) via an organosolv fractionation process. The fractionation process is able to produce lignins with a variety of thermal characteristics from the same feedstocks by varying processing conditions. This allows for optimization and tuning of lignin for melt spinning. A CRC wide research effort is investigating the impact of extracting hemicellulose from woody substrates via hot water and enzymatic methods. Greater change in the woody substrate has been observed with hot water extraction than by enzymatic methods although both methods show evidence of sugar extraction. Less damage to the wood substrate is observed with enzyme treatment. Research is continuing to evaluate the impact of these treatments on adhesive bonding. A study on the electron beam processing of wood composites has been completed. We have demonstrated that an adhesive system may be used to cure a wood composite without significant degradation of the substrate. There is the potential for tremendous energy savings, process improvements, low VOC emissions, and increased panel durability. In addition, high doses of e-beam radiation may be used as a pretreatment in the production of cellulosic fuels. We observed a two fold increase in the hydrolysis of softwoods at high e-beam doses, however the method has not been investigated for economic viability. PARTICIPANTS: Postdoctoral researchers: Dr. Jae-Woo Kim. Graduate Students: Mr. Timothy Starr (M.S. Chemical Engineering 2010) finished his work on the interaction of wood and E-beam curable adhesives. Ms. Jetana Kitisenee (M.S. Forestry 2010) finished her work on the impact of radiation treatment on woody cell wall morphology. Undergraduate Students: Mr. Cory Anderson assisted in sample preparation and testing, Mr. Edward Buehler assisted in lignin rheology, and Mr. Kendrick Stiles has assisted in the thermal analysis of lignin. TARGET AUDIENCES: We are targeting our research products primarily to industry to spur the rapid adoption and dissemination of our technologies. In addition, we are informing local producers that there may be developing markets for their low valued timber resources. Further, there is currently the opportunity to move lignocellulosic materials into nontraditional industries, and these audiences are also being targeted. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Issue: Utilization of residual lignin from biorefineries to produce high value products. Response: We have demonstrated the ability to tune the lignin extraction process as a coproduct of cellulosic fuel production towards the manufacture of melt spun lignin fibers. Impact: This paves the way for lignin utilization in carbon fiber precursors, which could contribute $4 billion dollars annually to rural economies. 2) Issue: Wood products manufacturers need to reduce VOC emissions, improve product performance, and generate new product streams. Response: We have discovered a method to extract hemicellulose prior to composite manufacturing. Impact: The extraction of hemicelluloses reduces VOCs during drying and pressing, improves moisture performance of panel products, and provides another potential revenue stream for the manufacturer.
Publications
- K. A. Crookston, T. M. Young, D. P. Harper, F Guess. 2010. Statistical reliability analyses of two wood plastic composite extrusion processes. Reliability Engineering and System Safety. doi:10.1016/j.ress.2010.08.005.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The research has been presented at several international meetings and has drawn the attention of industrial partners. During this past year we have discovered new methods for improving the dispersion of cellulosics in nonpolar solvents using a carbohydrate byproduct of a cellulosic biorefinery. In addition, new additives were cured with success via electron beam radiation. This technology reduces the creep of polymer composites by 50%. Work is continuing to develop new composites for electron beam curing technologies in collaboration with industrial partners. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jae-Woo Kim: Dr. Kim along with Dr. Adam Taylor are helping develop composites that are more durable than those currently on the market by using naturally durable species. Dr. Rhea Gelderloos-Sammons: Dr. Sammons along with Dr. Timothy Rials and ORNL is leading the investigation and conducting research in the areas of fiber melt spinning, rheology, and the characterization of interaction between natural and synthetic polymers. Research Coodinators Mr. Timothy Stortz: Mr. Stortz has assisted in all aspects of this research. Graduate Students Mr. Timothy Starr (M.S. Chemical Engineering 2010) is working on the interaction of wood and E-beam curable adhesives. Ms. Jetana Kitisenee (M.S. Forestry 2010) is working on the impact of radiation treatment on woody cell wall morphology. Undergraduate Students: Mr. Cory Anderson assisted in sample preparation. TARGET AUDIENCES: We are targeting our research products primarily to industry to spur the rapid adoption and dissemination of our technologies. In addition, we are informing local producers that there may be developing markets for their low valued timber resources. Further, there is currently the opportunity to move lignocellulosic materials into nontraditional industries, and these audiences are also being targeted. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Issue: Utilization of residual lignin from biorefineries to produce high value products. Response: Novel processing methods developed through this work have proven to be effective in dispersing lignin and nanocrystalline cellulose in nonpolar matrices and weakly polar solvents. Fundamental understanding of copolymer architecture led to improvements in the development of coupling agents for wood plastic composites and blends. Impact: This paves the way for lignin utilization in carbon fiber precursors, which could contribute $4 billion dollars annually to rural economies. 2) Issue: Wood-plastic composites have poor load duration behavior. Response: Similar to automobile tires, additives have been discovered that form a complete molecular network that reduces material creep by 50% after electron beam treatment. Impact: This paves the way to use wood-plastics in structural applications where their creep performance limited their use.
Publications
- Tingaut, P., N. S. Cetin, N. Ozmen, N. Henry, D. P. Harper, M. Dadmun, G. Sebe. 2009. The acetylation of cellulose nanowhiskers with vinyl acetate under moderate conditions. Macromolecular Bioscience. 9(10): 997-1003. 10.1002/mabi.200900073.
- Kim, J. W., D. P. Harper, A. M. Taylor. 2009. Effect of extractives on water sorption and durability of wood-plastic composites. Wood and Fiber Science. 41(3): 279-290. http://www.swst.org/wfs/preprints/41(3)/wfs1378.pdf.
- Cheng, Q., S. Wang, D. P. Harper. 2009. Effects of process and source on elastic modulus of single cellulose fibrils evaluated by atomic force microscopy. Composites Part A. 40(5): 583-588. doi:10.1016/j.compositesa.2009.02.011.
- Harper, D. P., G. F. Dorsey, T. Stortz, T. G. Rials, W. L. Griffith. 2009. Dual-cure low-temperature and electron-beam curable resins for wood composites. ANTEC. Chicago, IL.
- Harper, D. P. (presenter), G. Dorsey, T. Stortz, T. G. Rials, and W. L. Griffith. 2009. Radiation and dual radiation-thermal cure adhesives for wood composites. International Conference on Wood Adhesives. September 28-30, 2009. South Lake Tahoe, NV.
- Cetin, N. S., N. Ozmen, P. Tingaut, D. P. Harper (presenter). Chemical Modification of Cellulose Whiskers with Acetic Anhydride. The Tenth International Conference on Woodfiber-Plastic Composites. Madison, WI. May 2009.
- Rials, T. G. (presenter), D. P. Harper, N. Labbe, S. Wang. 2009. Extracting wood flakes for composite panel innovation: Assessment of process stream characteristics. 43rd International Wood Composites Symposium. Seattle, WA.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The research has been presented at several international meetings (see below publication/presentation list). This has led to collaboration and dissemination of this research to broad audience. In addition, these new collaborators have broadened the application of this research to new lignocellulosic systems. Our work with an international company has also resulted in an invention disclosure that allows for the bond between dissimilar materials to survive a harsh manufacturing process and service life. Discussions are continuing with industry to adapt the technology discovered in our research to their systems. PARTICIPANTS: Post-docs: Dr. Philippe Tingaut: Dr. Tingaut has been assessing novel copolymers being developed to improve the interaction between wood polymers and synthetics. These copolymers are being jointly developed with Dr. Mark Dadmun in the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Jae-Woo Kim: Dr. Kim along with Dr. Adam Taylor are helping develop composites that are more durable than those currently on the market by using naturally durable species. Dr. Rhea Gelderloos-Sammons: Dr. Sammons along with Dr. Timothy Rials and ORNL is leading the investigation and conducting research in the areas of fiber melt spinning, rheology, and the characterization of interaction between natural and synthetic polymers. Research Coodinators Mr. Timothy Stortz: Mr. Stortz has assisted in all aspects of this research. Visiting Scientists: Dr. Gilles Sebe, Assistant Professor of wood chemistry at the University of Bordeaux in France, for two weeks. We collaborated in quantifying the impact of a novel chemical modification on wood substrates. We evaluated the reaction kinetics for various wood polymers. Dr. Nihat Cetin (2008) was a visiting faculty of Forestry from Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University in Turkey. He was working in my group for three months on the development of interfacial modification methods for cellulose nano-fibrils. We were able to develop a novel technique for isolating and dispersing fibrils in organic solvents. Dr. Nilgul Cetin (2008) was a visiting faculty of Forestry from Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University in Turkey. She was working in my group for three months on the development of methods for the elucidation of nanocellulosic fibrils from cellulose crystals. In addition, she assisted in the development of novel chemical modification for cellulose nanofibers in organic solvents. Mr. Marc Gaugler (2006 and 2008) was a visiting scientist from SCION Research in Rotorua, New Zealand. We jointly collaborated along with Dr. Warren Grigsby also of SCION Research on two projects involving the addition of tannins (a phenol compound derived from wood) in polymers and thermoset wood adhesives. I assisted Mr. Gaugler with the use of our chemical imaging system and thermal scanning microscope. Additionally, Mr. Gaugler returned in 2008, and I coordinated research between SCION and ORNL in the area of the utilization of lignin derivatives. Graduate Students Mr. Timothy Starr (M.S. Chemical Engineering 2009) is working on the interaction of wood and E-beam curable adhesives. Ms. Jetana Kitisenee (M.S. Forestry 2010) is working on the impact of radiation treatment on woody cell wall morphology. Undergraduate Students: Mr. Eddie Buehler assisted in analytical analysis. TARGET AUDIENCES: We are targeting our research products primarily to industry to spur the rapid adoption and dissemination of our technologies. In addition, we are informing local producers that there may be developing markets for their low valued timber resources. Further, there is currently the opportunity to move lignocellulosic materials into nontraditional industries, and these audiences are also being targeted. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Issue: High quality white oak that faces a dwindling supply and is needed for whisky barrel production. Response: We have replaced part of the high quality and scarce resource with a lower quality and more plentiful wood species. We developed a new adhesive and processing technology at the University of Tennessee that enables us to replace this scarce resource with a cheaper and more plentiful alternative. Impact: The new technology offers a 50% savings in a scarce natural resource and a potential cost savings in excess of $10 million annually to the company. 2) Issue: Incompatibility between synthetic polymers and natural polymers. Response: Novel compolymers developed through this work have proven to be effective in dispersing lignin and nanocrystalline cellulose in nonpolar matrices and weakly polar solvents. Fundamental understanding of copolymer architecture led to improvements in the development of coupling agents for wood plastic composites and blends. Impact: This paves the way for lignin utilization in carbon fiber precursors, which could contribute $4 billion dollars annually to rural economies.
Publications
- D.P. Harper, M.P. Laborie, M.P. Wolcott. 2008. The Impact of Polypropylene-graft-Maleic Anhydride on the Crystallization and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Isotactic Polypropylene. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 111: 753-758.
- J.W. Kim, D.P. Harper, A.M. Taylor, 2008. Effect of wood species on water sorption and durability of wood plastic composites. Wood and Fiber Science. 40(4): 519-531.
- D.P. Harper (presenter), R.J. Sammons, N. Labbe, T.G. Rials, and T. Elder. November 20 & 21, 2008. Adding value to cellulosic ethanol. Contribution des sciences and industries du bois aux defies du development durable, 5th Colloque Sciences and Industries du Bois, ARBORA. Bordeaux, France. (Invited)
- P. Tingaut, N. Henry, T.G. Rials, D. P. Harper, M. Dadmun. 2008. Compatibilization of natural fibers with synthetic polymers using triblock copolymers as coupling agents. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. 209(8):832-845.
- I. Celen, D.P. Harper, N. Labbe. 2008. A multivariate approach to acetylated poplar wood samples using NIR. Holzforschung. 62: 189-196.
- J. Konnerth, D.P. Harper, S.H. Lee, T.G. Rials, W. Gindl. 2008. Adhesive penetration of wood cell walls investigated by scanning thermal microscopy. Holzforschung. 62(1): 91-98.
- C. Sattler, N. Labbe, D.P. Harper, T. Elder, T. Rials. 2008. Effects of hot water extraction of oriented strand board (OSB) wood flakes. Clean. 36(8): 674-681.
- J.W. Kim, D.P. Harper, A.M. Taylor, 2008. Effect of wood species on the mechanical and thermal properties of WPCs. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. In press.
- D.P. Harper (presenter), T.G. Rials, G. Dorsey, and W.L. Griffith. November 6, 2008. Opportunities for Low-Temperature Radiation Cured Adhesive in Natural Fiber Based Composites. Pacific Rim Biobased Composites Symposium. Rotorua, New Zealand. (Invited)
- D.P. Harper (presenter), P. Tingaut, N. Henry, T.G. Rials, and M.D. Dadmun. November 7, 2008. Use of block copolymers in wood-polymer composites. Pacific Rim Biobased Composites Symposium. Rotorua, New Zealand. (Invited)
- J. Kim (presenter), D.P. Harper, A. Taylor. July 6-10, 2008. Adding Value to Wood Plastic Composites Through Species Selection, 4THINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED ENGINEERED WOOD & HYBRID COMPOSITES, Bar Harbor, ME.
- P. Tingaut (presenter), N. Henry, D.P. Harper, T.G. Rials, and M.D. Dadmun. April 9, 2008. Compatibilization of lignocellulosic fibers with synthetic polymers using triblock copolymers as coupling agents. American Chemical Society national meeting, New Orleans, LA.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In the past year, the outputs of this research have been presented at several national and international meetings (SAMPE, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, International Conference on Woodfiber-Plastic Composites, International Forest Products Society Meeting). In addition, journal articles and trade articles have been published to reach a broad audience (see Publications). During the past year, we have met with several companies (four companies with one contract in place), one industry consortium (Polymer Ohio), government laboratories (ORNL, PNNL, Forest Products Laboratory), other universities (Virginia Tech, NC State, University of Kentucky, Ohio State, Washington State) and collaborated with international researchers (see visiting scientist section of participants list) in order to disseminate information learned from this research to others. By working with companies, we are trying to speed the utilization of under valued species in more environmentally friendly composites. Further, an invention disclosure was filed as a direct result of research conducted on this project. Pending review, we will try to market this new technology to manufacturers. PARTICIPANTS: Post-docs: Dr. Ipek Celen: Dr. Celen developed methods to monitor the chemical modification of wood flour. Dr. Philippe Tingaut: Dr. Tingaut has been assessing novel copolymers being developed to improve the interaction between wood polymers and synthetics. These copolymers are being jointly developed with Dr. Mark Dadmun in the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Jae-Woo Kim: Dr. Kim along with Dr. Adam Taylor are helping develop composites that are more durable than those currently on the market by using naturally durable species. Dr. Rhea Gelderloos-Sammons: Dr. Sammons along with Dr. Timothy Rials and ORNL is leading the investigation and conducting research in the areas of fiber melt spinning, rheology, and the characterization of interaction between natural and synthetic polymers. Research Coodinators Mr. Timothy Stortz: Mr. Stortz has assisted in all aspects of this research. Visiting Scientists: Mr. Marc Gaugler: Mr. Gaugler was a visiting scientist from SCION Research in Rotorua, New Zealand. We jointly collaborated along with Dr. Warren Grigsby also of SCION Research on two projects involving the addition of tannins (a phenol compound derived from wood) in polymers and thermoset wood adhesives. Mr. Johannes Konnerth: Mr. Konnerth was a visiting Ph.D. student from BOKU in Austria under the supervision of Dr. Wolfgang Gindl. Mr. Konnerth assessed wood adhesive penetration into wood cell walls using chemical imaging and scanning thermal microscopy. Dr. Ken VanLangenberg: Dr. VanLangenberg was visiting from the ENSIS Wood Processing group in Melbourne, Australia. I assisted in quantifying resin penetration in several wood species native to Australia using chemical imaging. Mr. Mohamed Jebrane: Mr. Jebrane was a visiting Ph.D. student from the University of Bordeaux I in France. He was here investigating new techniques to chemically modify wood and incorporation into value-added composites. Ms. Barbara Ehrschwendner: Ms. Ehrschwendner was a student from Fachhochschule Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg, Austria. She was here to investigate extraction of hemicellulose from wood strands prior to its utilization in wood strand composites. Graduate Students Mr. Timothy Starr (M.S. Chemical Engineering 2008) is working on the interaction of wood and E-beam curable adhesives. Undergraduate Mr. Brian Boss He assisted in manufacture and testing of wood-polymer composites. Mr. Eddie Buehler He investigated the distribution of novel block copolymers on wood surfaces. He was also instructed in polymer processing and testing methods. TARGET AUDIENCES: We are targeting our research products primarily to industry to spur the rapid adoption and dissemination of our technologies. In addition, we are informing local producers that there may be developing markets for their low valued timber resources. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No project modifications are currently to be reported.
Impacts
Issue A: There is a need to reduce the susceptibility of wood-polymer composites to moisture and load-duration deformation. What has been done: We have developed new additives and processes for manufacturing wood-plastic composites. In addition, we have utilized species with naturally high durability that are native to Tennessee. Impact: We have developed composites that have improved strength, moisture resistant, organic solvent resistant, and have improved creep performance over products currently in the market place. Issue B: A private company that uses wood to produce 16,800,000 units of a product has a diminishing wood resource that is required to produce these units. What has been done: We developed technology to fit within their existing manufacturing process using information discovered in this research that reduces their use of high quality wood resources. Impact: We were able to reduce the company's use of high quality woody material by 50% and cost by 23% per unit.
Publications
- Harper, D.P., N. Labbe, T.G. Rials, G. Dorsey, S. Bowman, W.L. Griffith, T. Elder, High-energy electron beam affect on lignocellulosic materials. SAMPE 2007, Baltimore, MD June 3-7, 2007.
- Gaugler, M., W.J. Grigsby, D.P. Harper, T.G. Rials. 2007. Chemical imaging of the spatial distribution and interaction of tannin dispersal in bioplastic systems. Advanced Materials Research. 29-30, 173-176.
- Griffith, W.L., G.F. Dorsey, D.P. Harper, T.G. Rials, N. Labbe, T. Elder. 2007. High-energy electron beam processing of wood composites. ANTEC 2007, Cincinnati, OH.
- Harper, D.P., and T. Rials. 2007. Wood-Plastic Composites. Encyclopedia of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering, Ed. D. R. Heldmann. Taylor and Francis, Inc.
- A. Taylor, D. P. Harper. 2007. E-beam curable resins. Specialty Wood Journal. 10(2): 43-44.
- D. P. Harper, T. Stortz, T. G. Rials, G. Dorsey, W. L. Griffith, K. R. Englund, M. P. Wolcott. 2007. Electron-beam curable additives for wood-plastic composites. Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Woodfiber-Plastic Composites. Madison, WI. In Press.
- M. Gaugler, W. J. Grigsby, D. P. Harper, T. G. Rials, 2007. Chemical imaging of the spatial distribution and interaction of tannin dispersal in bioplastic systems. In Press Advanced Materials and Processing IV, 173-176 (2007).
- Harper, D. P., Lee, S.-H. and Dadmun, M. 2006. Interactions between PS-PMMA based block copolymers and wood derivatives. Paper presented at the 2006 AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
- M. Gaugler, W. J. Grigsby, D. P. Harper, and T. G. Rials, 2006. Chemical imaging of PRF and tannin-based wood adhesive systems. 8th Pacific Rim Biobased Composites Symposium.
- D. P. Harper, W. L. Griffith, T. G. Rials, G. Dorsey. 2006. Electron-beam processing of wood-polyethylene-acrylic composites. SAMPE, Long Beach, CA.
- D. P. Harper, M. P. Wolcott. 2006. Chemical imaging of wood-polypropylene composites. Applied Spectroscopy, 60(8), 898-905.
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