Biomaterials Research

Sustaining a Future on Renewable Materials

Forest biomaterials include any organic materials that can be cultivated or extracted from nature’s ecosystems. The Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State specializes in sustainable, renewable forest biomaterials such as wood, paper and value-added biomaterials produced by large and small industries across North Carolina and throughout the US. These renewable biomaterials are used for construction of sustainable housing, low carbon bioenergy, recyclable pulp and paper products, and value-added chemicals and composites.

In fact, we try to find new uses for what was previously seen as waste from pulp and paper manufacturing processes. A number of our innovative projects investigate the fundamental and applied aspects of new cellulose and lignin-based biomaterials, including novel chemical approaches, polymeric phase behavior and process development.

BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH FEATURES

Mosquito-Resistant Clothing Prevents Bites in Trials

NC State researchers have created insecticide-free, mosquito-resistant clothing using textile materials they confirmed to be bite-proof in experiments with live mosquitoes. 

Turning Tree Residue into Smart Hydrogels

Using advanced manufacturing methods, NC State researchers are turning wood byproducts into sensory hydrogels that can be used in agriculture, health care and even veterinary medicine. 

Meet our Biomaterials Faculty

Interested in biomaterials research? Contact our faculty to learn more and get involved.

• Dimitris Argyropoulos, Professor Emeritus
• Hou-min Chang, Professor Emeritus
• Marko Hakovirta, Professor
• Hasan Jameel, Jordan Family Distinguished Professor
• Steve Kelley, Reuben B. Robertson Professor
• Nathalie Lavoine, Assistant Professor
• Lucian Lucia, Professor
• Lokendra Pal, Professor
• Sunkyu Park, Professor
• Joel Pawlak, Associate Professor
• Richard Venditti, Elis-Signe Olsson Professor