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College of Natural Resources

Characterizing and Developing Wood-based Materials

McIntire Stennis - Sustainable Building Materials - College of Natural Resources at NC State

Project Title

Development and Characterization of Sustainable Wood-based Materials and Bioproducts

Project Description

As engineers and scientists are met with new and evolving challenges of how to manage our environment for a sustainable future, there is an increasing need to develop new methods of analyzing the natural systems across the world and to develop new products that make better use of sustainable resources. In addition, the increasing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and the finite supply of fossil fuels has led to the goal of utilizing lignocellulosic feedstocks for wood and fiber products, biofuels, platform chemicals and biocomposites. This project will examine the sustainable design, development and use, and the end-of-product life scenario of wood-based materials.

Principal Investigator

Ilona Peszlen (Director)

Collaborators

Frederick Laleicke
Perry Peralta

Expected Outcomes

This project addresses the McIntire-Stennis program’s strategic goal of “creating the future generation of forest educators, scientists and practitioners through graduate education” by hiring, educating and mentoring graduate students in the development of wood-based materials.

Research Methods

To meet the project goals, the principal investigator will utilize the following research methods:

  • Test and analyze uniquely modified wood properties for specific application.
  • Analyze greenhouse gas cycles in wood materials such as cross-laminated timber and torrefied biomass.
  • Combine engineering and life-cycle analyses of wood-based products.

A McIntire-Stennis supported project

About McIntire-Stennis

The McIntire-Stennis program, a unique federal-state partnership, cultivates and delivers forestry and natural resource innovations for a better future. By advancing research and education that increases the understanding of emerging challenges and fosters the development of relevant solutions, the McIntire-Stennis program has ensured healthy resilient forests and communities and an exceptional natural resources workforce since 1962.