Sun Grant/Dept. of Energy Research Project

David Harper, Forest Products Center (PI)
Duane Bruns, Chemical Engineering (Co-PI)

Abstract:

The goal of this proposed project is to develop a highly efficient process for drying, sorting, and modifying biomass for use as renewable material in durable goods. In addition, this project will take the modified biomass and convert into a prototype material to be assessed for its performance characteristic. The reactor being designed for a prototype process will be flexible enough to run a wide range of conditions and reactive gases to provide several modification options. The reactors are being designed to occur in the solid/gas phases in order to minimize use of solvents, the amount liquid waste, and the amount residual unreacted material in the finished product while simultaneously maximizing efficiency by recycling the reactive gases. This process will be compared to more traditional methods of modification for effectiveness and efficiency.

This research component is aimed to improve the selection of biomass feedstocks by providing a complimentary process for value added product development. We will coordinate our research efforts with those under the direction of Dr. Alvin Womac on mechanical breakdown and separation of biomass. The end goal of our project will be to take these separations into a prototype process that will sort, dry, and then modify a portion of the raw material into new durable materials. The new material will then be targeted for application where dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and density are important such as: automotive, marine, subflooring, doors, and windows.

Funded: October, 2005
Projected End Date: July, 2007

Reports and Publications:
None to date