The Department of Wood & Paper Science at NC State (WPS) engages in research exploring a variety of topics related to wood chemistry, pulping techniques and bleaching processes. Current research  focuses on pulping and bleaching process modifications that increase the cost-competitiveness of these techniques, the integration of black liquor gasification into kraft mills and new pulping methods involving the recycling of green liquor. Current wood chemistry research includes lignin chemical characterization, novel analytical methods, solvent systems for cellulosic materials and biomass conversion to chemical intermediates.

Wood Chemistry Technical Services

A variety of routine and specialized technical services are provided by our wood chemistry laboratories. These include but not limited to:

• Klason & UV Lignin analyses on Pulps and other lignin samples
• Carbohydrate compositional analyses on pulps and other polysaccharides
• Structural analyses for Lignin and carbohydrates using advanced NMR methodologies
• Anatomical characterization of wood and other plant species
• Environmental assessments for effluents and air quality profiles using our extensive GC facilities
• Cellulosic surface area and surface activity measurements based on novel in house protocols
• Cellulose surface quality characteristics based on enthalpy of water of evaporation measurements
• Pyrolysis oils quality control analyses via GC & NMR methods
• Assessment of absolute Enzymatic activities using novel methods specifically designed for cellulases Assessment of absolute enzymatic activity for peroxidases, lypoxygenases and other enzymes whose intermediate products are radical species
• Methods of quantitatively defining oxygen, or carbon  radical profiles in complex reactions are also available
• Molecular weight evaluations of polymers using Light scattering
• Molecular weight distribution measurements using Gel Permeation Chromatography

For More Information

For more information, please explore the websites of faculty members engaged in research projects within this area:

• Dimitris Argyropoulos
• Hou-min Chang
• Vincent Chiang
• Hasan Jameel
• Lucian Lucia
• Adrianna Kirkman
• Richard Phillips

Research

• Research Centers & Initiatives
  • Forest Biomaterials
  • Wood Chemistry, Pulping & Bleaching
  • Biotechnology & Enzymes
  • Papermaking/Wet-End Chemistry
  • Physics & Materials Science
  • Paper Recycling
  • Nonwood Fibers
  • The American Home
  • Sustainable Wood Materials
  • Wood Machining & Tooling
  • Value Added Wood Products
• Faculty Research
• BioResources
• Research Facilities
• Virtual Tour

Key Contacts