Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

University of Alaska Fairbanks Research has been focused on renewable hydrocarbon production from Alaska biomass via pyrolysis and gasification processes. Cornell University Different harvesters and planters were evaluated for their performance and quality for harvesting shrub willow (Salix spp.) biomass and planting of seedlings. A high-throughput, low-cost method to characterize the biomass composition for biofuel conversion was developed using high resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HR-TGA). Iowa State University The team is focused on four areas: polymerization of renewable oils, processing of protein-based plastics, protein-based adhesives, and cellulosic-based composites. Protein hydrolysates were reacted with phenol-formaldehyde resin and the adhesive produced was used for production of flakeboard and medium density fiberboard. University of Kentucky Enhanced utilization of cellulosic biomass for the production of biodiesel and bioethanol via thermochemical and microorganism conversion is being conducted as part of this research effort. University of Maine There are seven groups on campus conducting a variety of studies including the production of new wood-derived chemicals, hybrid materials, composites, sustainable biofuels, and the improvement of manufacturing technology for oriented wood strand composites. Michigan State University The primary goal of this group was to develop hybrid structural composite products using nanoclay and carbon nanotube-reinforced thermoplastics combined with underutilized hardwoods. The second goal of this research project was to produce transgenic trees ectopically expressing candidate genes that control wood fiber characteristics. University of Minnesota The objectives of this project are centered in two inter-related areas: the development and application of innovative structural biomaterials from wood, lignocellulose and hybrid materials, and the production of new biofuels/biochemicals from wood. Project goals include development of new wood composites and hybrid wood, lignocellulose and polymer matrix composites. University of Tennessee Research has been focused on characterization of OSB products made of hemicellulose-removed strands. The production of bio-based nanoscale materials from biorefinery carbohydrates has been investigated as well. University of Massachusetts The mechanical behavior of wood-concrete composites systems were studied as part of this research effort, for their long term performance. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University The participation of the university was primarily from the perspective of enhanced communication with other national colleagues conducting research on biofuels and biomaterials. West Virginia University The WVU Biomaterials and Wood Utilization Research Center has 14 faculty members. Their projects are focused on the development of new products and techniques for better utilization of upland hardwoods in the Appalachian region. Washington State University Research investigations for this project at WSU were focused on the manufacture and property evaluation of several natural fiber/biobased polyester composites.

Please see the PowerPoint slides at http://woodscience.umaine.edu/goodell/NE506.pdf for the accomplishments of all participating universities except for Washington State University whose accomplishments are listed here in the following: WSU Accomplishments: Adding bamboo fiber into poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), a cornstarch based polymer, substantially increased the mechanical properties of the composite. Boron nitride was found to increase the overall properties of the neat polymer and the composites due to the refined crystalline structure. Maleic anhydride grafted PHBV increased the strength and the modulus, but reduced the toughness of the composites due to improved polymer/fiber adhesion. Composites with high fiber content and high levels of mechanical and physical properties were prepared using sugar beet pulp (SBP) and poly lactic acid (PLA). A novel biosynthetic approach that combines the biosynthesis of cellulose nanofibers with a blending step in a polymer matrix has been developed. This method allows tailoring the composition and morphology of the produced nanocomposites. As a result one can manipulate the physical and mechanical properties of the cellulosic nanocomposites.

Serapiglia, MJ. 2009. Variation in biomass composition and regulation of lignocellulosic deposition in shrub willow (Salix spp.) bioenergy crops. Ph.D. Thesis. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY. 276 pp. Serapiglia, MJ, Cameron, KD, Stipanovic, AJ and Smart, LB. 2009. Analysis of biomass composition using high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis and percent bark content for the selection of shrub willow bioenergy crop varieties. Bioenergy. Kuo, M.l., and J.F. Schmitz, Jr. 2008. Formulations and applications of some protein-based wood adhesives. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Advanced Biomass Science and Technology for Bio-Based Products, Beijing, China. May 23-25. Goodell, B. 2008. Fungal Decay of Wood: Soft rot-Brown rot-White rot. (Eds.) Schultz, T., H. Militz, M. Freeman, D. D. Nicholas and B. Goodell. 2008. Development of Commercial Wood Preservative Systems: Efficacy, Environmental and Health Issues. American Chemical Society Series 982. Oxford University Press. Textbook. 540 pp. Dagher HJ, Lopez-Anido RA, Gardner DJ, Dura MJ, Stephens KL, inventors; University of Maine System Board of Trustees, assignee. Sheet Piling Panels with Elongated Voids. US patent 7,416,368. 2008 Aug 26. Cole, B.J.W., LeBlanc, R., Nilmini, G. Genco, J.M., Fort, R.C. Jr. 2009. Bark and foliage extracts as antioxidants and other high value materials. In the Proceedings of the International Symposium on Wood, Fiber, and Pulping Chemistry. Oslo, Norway, June, 2009. Kiziltas, A., D. J. Gardner, Y. Han, H. Yang and C. West. 2009. Structure, morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of composites based on mirocrystalline cellulose and polyamide 6. 10th International Conference on Wood & Biofiber Plastic Composites. Madison, WI. May 11-12, 2009. Kiziltas, A., D. J. Gardner, Y. Han, H. Yang and C. West. 2009. Effects of microcrystalline cellulose particle size on mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of polystyrene composites. 10th International Conference on Wood & Biofiber Plastic Composites. Madison, WI. May 11-12, 2009. Yang, H. And D. J. Gardner. 2009. Dispersion study of MCC/nano fibrillated cellulose filled polypropylene composites using thermgravimetric analysis. Cellulose Nanocomposite Symposium. Madison, WI. May 13, 2009. Arantes, V., Qian, Y., Kelly, S. S., Milagres, A. M. F., Filley, T. R., Jellison, J. and Goodell, B. 2009. Biomimetic oxidative treatment of spruce wood studied by pyrolysis-molecular beam mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate analysis and 13C-labeled teramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis: implications for fungal degradation of wood. J Biol Inorg Chem 14, 1253-1263. Arantes, V., Y. Qian, A. Milagres, J. Jellison and B. Goodell. 2009. Effect of pH and oxalic acid on Fe3+ desorption/adsorption onto wood: Implications for brown rot decay. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation. 63:478-483. Howell, C. A. C. Hastrup, B. Goodell and J. Jellison. 2009. Temporal changes in wood crystalline cellulose during degradation by brown rot fungi. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 63:414-419. Goodell, B, Xie, X., Qian, Y., Daniel, G., Peterson, M., and J. Jellison. 2008. Carbon nanotubes produced from natural cellulosic materials. Journal of Nanoscience and nanotechnology. Vol 8, 2472-2474. Xie, X., B. Goodell, Y. Qian, G. Daniel, D. Zhang, D. Nagle, M. Peterson and J. Jellison. 2009. A method of producing carbon nanotubes directly from plant materials. Forest Products Journal 59:26-28. Xinfeng Xie, Barry Goodell, Dajie Zhang et al. 2009. Characterization of carbons derived from cellulose and lignin and their oxidative behavior. Bioresource Technology. 100:1797-1802. Pries, M., B. Goodell, X. Xie, Y. Qian, M. Peterson, R. Lopez-Anido. 2009. Reinforcement of Polymer Matrix Composites Using Carbon Residues Derived from Woody Biomass. Polymer Composites. Accepted. Xie, X., B. Goodell, G. Daniel, Y. Qian, J. Jellison, M. Peterson. 2009. Carbonization of wood and nanostructures formed from the cell wall. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation. 63: 933-935. Xinfeng Xie, Barry Goodell, Dennis Nagle, and Dajie Zhang. 2009. Selected physical and mechanical properties of resin infused porous carbon composites made from medium density fiberboard. Forest Products Journal. 59: 25-28. Howell, C., J. J. Paredes and J. Jellison. 2009. Decay resistance properties of hot water extracted oriented strand board. Wood Science and Technology 41:201-208. Yanjun Xie, , Reinhard Well, Zefang Xiao, Barry Goodell, Jody Jellison Holger Militz, Carsten Mai, 2009. Degradation of wood veneers by Fenton's reagents: effects of low molecular weight phenolic compounds on hydrogen peroxide decay and tensile strength International Research Group on Wood Protection, May, 2009. Series Document: 09-20400 Xie, X., Goodell, B., Qian, Y., Daniel, G., Zhang, D., Peterson, M., Jellison, J. Carbonization of wood, the production of carbon nanotubes and the durability of historic artifacts. Presented at the 14th International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium. S. Alessio Siculo, Messina, Italy, October 6-11, 2008. Jellison, J., J. Oliver and B. Goodell. 2008. The role of fungal metabolites in lignocellulose biodegradation. Presented at the International Biodegradation and Biodeterioration meetings October 6-11, Messia, Italy. Trask, Keith, Robert Rice, Scott Anchors and R. Lilieholm. 2009. Management Styles of Lumber Mill Managers in the Northern United States. Forest Products Journal 59(3), pp 29-34. Rice, R. W. and M. Susan Erich. 2008. Comparative VOC estimates from the heartwood and sapwood of five species. Drying Technology-An International Journal; Vol 26, Issues 7-9, July-Sept. 2008 Rice, R. W. and M. Susan Erich. 2008 Kiln Emissions: Levels, Variability, Human HealthAnd Environmental Effects. Proceedings: Quality Drying for the 21st Century: Energy and Market Realities. Forest Products Society, Madison, WI. #7222. Cheng, Q., J. Wang, and SM Shaler. 2009. Mechanical performance of wood polypropylene composite due to extended moisture immersion. J. of Thermoplastic Composite Materials. 22:321-333. Paredes, JJ, R Jara, SM Shaler, and A van Heiningen. 2008. Influence of hot water extraction on physical and mechanical behavior of OSB. Forest Products J. 58(12):56-62. Paredes, JJ, R Mills, SM Shaler, DJ Gardner, and A van Heiningen. 2009. Surface characterization of red maple strands after hot water extraction. Wood and Fiber Science.41(1):1-13. Paredes, JJ, and SM Shaler. 2008. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) from Hot Water Extracted Wood. Pages 175-184 In: Proceedings of 3rd International Conference on Environmentally-Compatible Forest Products. Oporto - Portugal. Paredes, JJ, R Edgar, BJ Cole, and SM Shaler. 2009. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and properties of OSB from extracted Southern Yellow Pine. Poster presented at 43rd International Wood Composites Symposium. March 30-April 1. Seattle, WA. Perry, S. A., Shaler, SM, Gardner, D. J., and Halteman, W. A. The Effect of Waxes and Adhesives on the Static Coefficient of Friction of Wood Strands. Poster presented at: WBC Center Spring 2009 Industry Advisory Board Meeting and Technical Forum; 2009 June 11-12; Blacksburg, VA. Paredes, JJ. 2009. The influence of hot water extraction on physical and mechanical properties of OSB. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Maine, Orono, ME. Martinez, V. 2009. Optical measurement of strand geometry and orientation and their influence on oriented strand composite formation quality. M.S. Thesis. University of Maine, Orono, ME. Matuana, L.M. and Faruk, O. (2007). Rigid PVC-based nanocomposites produced through a novel melt-blending approach, SPE ANTEC, Tech. Papers, 65: 1243-1247. Matuana, L.M. and Faruk, O. (2007). Hybrid nanoclay-rigid PVC-wood-flour composites, SPE ANTEC, Tech. Papers, 65:1248-1252. Park, S.C., Keathley, D.E., and Han, K.-H. 2008. Transcriptional profiles of the annual growth cycle in Populus. Tree Physiology 28: 321-329. Han, K.-H., Ko, J.-H., and Yang, S.H.. 2007. Functional genomics approach to optimizing lignocellulosic feedstock for improved biofuel productivity and processing. BioFPR 1: 135-146. Ko, J.-H., Yang, S., Park, A.H., Lerouxel, O., and Han, K.-H. 2007. ANAC012, a member of the plant-specific NAC transcription factor family, negatively regulates xylary fiber development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant J 50: 1035-1048. Huang, H., Ramaswamy, S. 2009. Modeling Biomass Gasification Using Thermodynamic Equilibrium Approach. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 154:193-204. Huang, H., Lin, W., Ramaswamy, S., Tschirner, U. 2009. Process modeling of comprehensive integrated forest biorefinery - An integrated approach. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 154:205-216. Bowyer, J.L., Ramaswamy, S. 2009. Bioenergy development: Alignment is essential, Part 1, Bioenergy Technologies Tappi Publication, January 2009, 14-17. Bowyer, J.L., Ramaswamy, S. 2009. Bioenergy development: Alignment is essential for Bioenergy Development, Part II, Exploring possible scenarios resulting from a supply gap, and possible effects of bioenergy development in environmental quality Tappi Publication, March 2009, 16-19. Huang, H., Ramaswamy, S., Waleed, A.D., Tschirner, U., Cairncross, R.A. 2009. Effect of biomass species and plant size on cellulosic ethanol: A comparative process and economic analysis" Biomass and Bioenergy 33, 2009, 234-246. Huang,H., Ramaswamy, S., Al-Dajani, W., Tschirner, U.W. 2010. Process modeling and analysis of pulp mill-based integrated biorefinery with hemicellulose pre-extraction for ethanol production: A comparative study. Bioresource Technology 101, (2010), 624-631. Huang,H., Ramaswamy, S., Tschirner, U. W., Ramarao, B. V. 2009. Chapeter 10: Separation and purification processes for lignocellulose-to-bioalcohol production in Bioalchohol Production, Biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, Editor Prof. Keith Waldron, UK, Woodhead Publishing Ltd., Cambridge, UK (in press) Moya, L., Tze, W. T. Y., and Winandy, J. E. 2009. The effect of cyclic relative humidity changes on moisture content and thickness swelling behavior of oriented strandboard, Wood and Fiber Science Journal 41(4): 447-460. Duncan, S.M., Jing, Q., Katona, A., Kazlauskas, R., Schilling, J.S., Tschirner, U., Wafa AlDajani, W. 2009(in press, online first). Increased saccharification yields from aspen biomass upon treatment with enzymatically generated peracetic acid. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Schilling, J.S., Tewalt, J., and Duncan, S.M. 2009. Synergy between pretreatment lignocellulose modifications and saccharification efficiency in two brown rot fungal systems. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 84: 465-475. Jiang, L., Huang, J., Qian, J., Chen, F., Zhang, J., Wolcott, M.P. and Zhu,Y. 2008. Study of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/bamboo pulp fiber composites: effects of nucleation agent and compatibilizer, J. Polym. Environ 16: 83-93.