This preliminary program is subject to change.

Biocomposites: Bio-Derived and Bio-Inspired Composites


Description:
Bio-based composites are materials composed of both a matrix and reinforcing phase, where at least one component of the composite is derived from plants, bacteria, animals, etc. The bio-based component can be a polymeric matrix (e.g., polylactic acid or triglyceride-based polyesters), polymeric filler, natural fibers (e.g., flax or jute), or other bio-based additives (e.g., chitin or lignin). Composites with forest resources have included wood, nanoparticles derived from cellulose or hemicellulose contained in wood and such. Contributions are being sought that address new developments concerning the chemistry, development, processing, structure, analysis, and properties of bio-based composites.

Sponsor:
Composites


Chair:
Hui Zhou
Postdoctoral fellow
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department of Biological Engineering
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Rm 56-651
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone Number: (617) 253-3159
Fax Number: (617) 258-8676
Email: huizhou@mit.edu

Co-chairs:
Suying Wei
Assistant Professor
Lamar University
Department of Chemistry and Physics
Beaumont, TX 77710
Email: suying.wei@lamar.edu

Qingliang He
Lamar University
Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical Engineering
Integrated Composites Lab
Beaumont, TX 77710
Email: qhe@lamar.edu


Papers:
Biocompatible Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)-Based Nanocomposite Fibers
Suying Wei, Lamar University; Cashe Lester, Lamar University; Monira Lizu, Lamar University; Jaishri Sharma, Lamar University; Jayanthi Sampathi, Lamar University; Ashwini Kucknoor, Lamar University; Narendhar Anumandla, Lamar University; Lauren James, Lamar University
Enhancing Thermo-Oxidative Stability of Polymers Using Natural and Synthetic Melanins
Kadhiravan Shanmuganathan, The University of Texas at Austin; Joon Hee Cho, The University of Texas at Austin; Prashanth Iyer, The University of Texas at Austin; Steven Baranowitz, Epitek Inc; Christopher J. Ellison, The University of Texas at Austin
Altered Clay Percolation in PBAT Nanocomposites Compatibilized by PBAT-g-MA
Alexandria Niemoeller, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Sunggyu Lee, Ohio University; Barbara A. Wheelden, Ohio University; Amber R. Tupper, Ohio University
Clay-Chitosan Nanobrick Walls: Renewable Multilayer Thin Films for Foil Replacement and Flame Suppression
Jaime C. Grunlan, Texas A&M University; Galina Laufer, Texas A&M University; Christopher Kirkland, Texas A&M University
See more of this Group/Topical: Materials Engineering and Sciences Division