Progress 08/01/07 to 07/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This research project was initiated in November 2007. Its primary goal was to develop hybrid structural composite products using nanoclay and carbon nanotube reinforced thermoplastics combined with underutilized hardwoods. The second goal of this research project was to produce transgenic trees ectopically expressing candidate genes that control wood fiber characteristics. We developed the best approach of incorporating different types of nanoclay and carbon nanotubes into wood-plastic composites (WPCs) to enhance their mechanical properties. A novel method of achieving better dispersion of nanoparticles (such as nanoclay or carbon nanotubes) into plastic matrix using a melt blending process was developed. This innovative mixing approach was used to manufacture WPC nanocomposites. Our experimental results indicated that WPC nanocomposites with properties similar to solid wood can be achieved by using nanoclay or carbon nanotube reinforced plastic as a matrix for WPCs. We also developed a means to control biochemical and physical property of wood for production of bioenergy and bio-based chemicals, and produced transgenic trees ectopically expressing candidate genes that control wood fiber characteristics. The results of this research project are used as tutorial examples in the composites/forest products classes taught at MSU by Dr. Matuana (e.g., FOR 305 Wood Composites, FOR 890 Special Problems). They have also been disseminated through publications, the World Wide Web, and presentations at the national and/or international annual conferences on wood-fiber/plastic composites. Dr. Matuana will continue to update a page on the World Wide Web that will highlight the results of this proposed research (or publications) so they will be available to the polymer/composite and forest products companies interested in plastic/wood-fiber composite materials. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Matuana: principal investigator/project director Dr. Han: Collaborator This research project provided training and/or professional development to the following individuals: Dr. Omar Faruk: post doctoral fellow Dr. Ko, J.-H: post doctoral fellow Mr. Ross A. Hickok: (MSU-undergraduate student) TARGET AUDIENCES: As previously mentioned, the results of this research project are used as tutorial examples in the composites/forest products classes taught at MSU by Dr. Matuana (e.g., FOR 305 Wood Composites, FOR 890 Special Problems). They were also disseminated through publications, the World Wide Web, and by attending and presenting results at the national and/or international annual conferences on wood-fiber/plastic composites. Dr. Matuana will continue to update a page on the World Wide Web that highlight the results of this proposed research (or publications) so they will be available to the polymer/composite and forest products companies interested in plastic/wood-fiber composite materials PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: NONE
Impacts
During the last decade, wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have emerged as an important family of engineering materials. They have become prevalent in many building applications, such as decking, docks, landscaping timbers, fencing etc., partially due to the need to replace pressure-treated solid lumber. Although WPCs are commercialized, they are mainly used in semi structural applications because they do not possess the bending strength and modulus required for long spans and load-bearing structural applications. Indeed, most of WPCs have lower bending stiffness and strength compared to solid wood. Enhancing the bending properties of WPCs could expand their acceptance in load bearing structural applications. This will expand the range of applications and market competitiveness of wood-based products, thus offering new opportunities to the forest products sector. In addition, we have identified candidate genes that control physical properties of wood vessel and fiber structures. Wood fiber differentiation has several practical utilities in terms of changing wood property. The ability to regulate wood fiber formation is a key enabling step for developing value-added wood products and production of bioenergy, which provides domestic wood products manufacturing and bioenergy industries with improved competitiveness in the global market place.
Publications
- Matuana, L.M. and Faruk, O. (2007). Rigid PVC-based nanocomposites produced through a novel melt-blending approach, SPE ANTEC, Tech. Papers, 65: 1243-1247.
- Matuana, L.M. and Faruk, O. (2007). Hybrid nanoclay-rigid PVC-wood-flour composites, SPE ANTEC, Tech. Papers, 65: 1248-1252.
- Park, S.C., Keathley, D.E., and Han, K.-H. 2008. Transcriptional profiles of the annual growth cycle in Populus. Tree Physiology 28: 321-329.
- Han, K.-H., Ko, J.-H., and Yang, S.H.. 2007. Functional genomics approach to optimizing lignocellulosic feedstock for improved biofuel productivity and processing. BioFPR 1: 135-146.
- Ko, J.-H., Yang, S., Park, A.H., Lerouxel, O., and Han, K.-H. 2007. ANAC012, a member of the plant-specific NAC transcription factor family, negatively regulates xylary fiber development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant J 50: 1035-1048.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This research project was initiated in November 2007. Its goal was to develop hybrid structural composite products using nanoclay and carbon nanotube reinforced thermoplastics combined with underutilized hardwoods and formulated through innovative compositions of waste materials. During this reporting period we have developed the best approach of incorporating different types of nanoclay and carbon nanotubes into woodplastic composites (WPCs) to enhance their mechanical properties. The results of this research project were used as tutorial examples in the composites/forest products classes taught at MSU by Dr. Matuana (e.g., FOR 305 Wood Composites, FOR 890 Special Problems). They have also been disseminated through publications, the World Wide Web, and presentations at the national and/or international annual conferences on woodfiber/ plastic composites. Dr. Matuana will continue to update a page on the World Wide Web that will highlight the results of this proposed research (or publications) so they will be available to the polymer/composite and forest products companies interested in plastic/wood-fiber composite materials. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Matuana: principal investigator/project director Dr. Omar Faruk: post doctoral fellow. This research project provides training and/or professional development to the following individuals: Dr. Omar Faruk: post doctoral fellow and Mr. Ross A. Hickok: (MSU-undergraduate student). TARGET AUDIENCES: As previously mentioned, the results of this research project are used as tutorial examples in the composites/forest products classes taught at MSU by Dr. Matuana (e.g., FOR 305 Wood Composites, FOR 890 Special Problems). They have also been disseminated through publications, the World Wide Web, and presentations at the national and/or international annual conferences on wood-fiber/plastic composites. Dr. Matuana will continue to update a page on the World Wide Web that will highlight the results of this proposed research (or publications) so they will be available to the polymer/composite and forest products companies interested in plastic/wood-fiber composite materials. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.
Impacts
During the last decade, wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have emerged as an important family of engineering materials. They have become prevalent in many building applications, such as decking, docks, landscaping timbers, fencing etc., partially due to the need to replace pressure-treated solid lumber. Although WPCs are commercialized, they are mainly used in semi structural applications because they do not possess the bending strength and modulus required for long spans and load-bearing structural applications. Indeed, most of WPCs have lower bending stiffness and strength compared to solid wood. Enhancing the bending properties of WPCs could expand their acceptance in load bearing structural applications. This will expand the range of applications and market competitiveness of wood-based products, thus offering new opportunities to the forest products sector. We developed a novel method of achieving better dispersion of nanoparticles (such as nanoclay or carbon nanotubes) into plastic matrix using a melt blending process. This innovative mixing approach was used to manufacture WPC nanocomposites. Our experimental results indicated that WPC nanocomposites with properties similar to solid wood can be achieved by using nanoclay or carbon nanotube reinforced plastic as a matrix for WPCs.
Publications
- Faruk, O. and Matuana, L.M. (2008). Reinforcement of Rigid PVC/Wood-Flour Composites with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Journal of Vinyl & Additive Technology, 14 (2): 60-64.
- Faruk, O. and Matuana, L.M. (2008). Nanoclay reinforced HDPE as a Matrix for Wood-Plastic Composites, Composites Science and Technology, 68 (9): 2073-2077.
- Faruk, O. and Matuana, L.M. (2008). Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Rigid PVC as a Matrix for PVC/Wood-Flour Composites, SPE ANTEC, Tech. Papers, 66: 1068-1073.
- Matuana, L.M. (2008). Hybrid PVC/Wood-Flour Nanocomposites and Method of Manufacture. US Patent filed in April 2008. Application Number: 12/148,236. Publication No. US-2008-0269377-A1, Publication Date: 10/30/2008.
- Faruk, O. and Matuana, L.M. (2008). Hybrid High-Density Polyethylene/Woodflour/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites. Page 107 to 112 in Proc. 9th International Conference on Wood & Biofiber Plastic Composites, Madison, WI, USA.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This research project was initiated in November 2007. Its goal during the next twelve months is to develop hybrid structural composite products using nanoclay reinforced thermoplastics combined with underutilized hardwoods and formulated through innovative compositions of waste materials. During this reporting period we have just begun developing the best approach of incorporating different types of nanoclay into wood-plastic composites (WPCs) to enhance their mechanical properties.
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Matuana: principal investigator/project director Dr. Omar Faruk: post doctoral fellow This research project will provid training and/or professional development to the following individuals: Dr. Omar Faruk: post doctoral fellow Mr. Ross A. Hickok: (MSU-undergraduate student)
TARGET AUDIENCES: The results of this research project will be used as tutorial examples in the composites/forest products classes taught at MSU by Dr. Matuana (e.g., FOR 305 Wood Composites, FOR 890 Special Problems). They will also be disseminated through publications, the World Wide Web, and by attending and presenting results at the national and/or international annual conferences on wood-fiber/plastic composites. Dr. Matuana will continue to update a page on the World Wide Web that will highlight the results of this proposed research (or publications) so they will be available to the polymer/composite and forest products companies interested in plastic/wood-fiber composite materials
Impacts
During the last decade, wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have emerged as an important family of engineering materials. They have become prevalent in many building applications, such as decking, docks, landscaping timbers, fencing etc., partially due to the need to replace pressure-treated solid lumber. Although WPCs are commercialized, they are mainly used in semi structural applications because they do not possess the bending strength and modulus required for long spans and load-bearing structural applications. Indeed, most of WPCs have lower bending stiffness and strength compared to solid wood. Enhancing the bending properties of WPCs could expand their acceptance in load bearing structural applications. This will expand the range of applications and market competitiveness of wood-based products, thus offering new opportunities to the forest products sector.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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