Research
PAL Research Group – A Leader in Sustainable Materials Research and Advanced Manufacturing Innovation with Strong Industry and Public Partnership
Innovations in Multi-scale Bio-based Materials for a Sustainable Future, Enhancing Human Health, and Industry 4.0 Applications
- Functionalization of Lignocellulose and Nanocellulose: Developing methods for the sustainable synthesis and functionalization of these materials
- Development of Functional Barrier Materials: Creating alternatives to traditional plastics and fluorochemicals for oil, gas, moisture, and water barrier applications.
- Innovations in Lightweight and Flexible Materials: Developing eco-friendly substitutes for Styrofoam and other conventional materials.
- Antimicrobial Biomaterials for Self-Disinfection: Producing materials that offer antibacterial, antibiofilm, and sterilization properties as alternatives to metal nanoparticles.
- Smart Stimuli-Responsive Materials: Crafting materials for advanced applications in sensing, bioadhesion, and optical technologies, serving as alternatives to traditional analog systems.
- Advances in AI and Smart Manufacturing: Integrating cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize biomaterial manufacturing.
- AI-Driven Synthesis and Manufacturing of Bio-based Materials: Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the production of biomaterials.
- Green Chemical Production of Lignocellulosic Fibers: Utilizing renewable resources for applications in tissue and hygiene, smart packaging, flexible electronics, and 3D printable materials, promoting a circular economy.
- Efficient Dewatering and Drying of Lignocellulose: Optimizing dewatering and drying processes to improve energy use, machine efficiency, and product quality.
- Applications in Tissue and Hygiene, Smart Packaging, Flexible Electronics, and 3D Printing: Exploring the diverse uses of biomaterials across various industries.
Check out below links to selected highlights of PAL Research Group projects
- AI-Powered Waste Management System to Revolutionize Recycling
- Finding An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Plastic Packaging
- Turning Tree Residue Into Smart Hydrogels
- Your Next Halloween Mask Could Be Made from Trees
- Industrial Hemp: A More Sustainable Option for the Hygiene Industry
- Antimicrobial Tissue Paper Could Help Fight the Spread of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases
- NC State Partners with CESMII to Promote ‘Smart’ Technologies in Paper Mfg., Other Industries
- Extraordinary Opportunities: PSE Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
RESEARCH THURSTS
- Advanced Renewable Materials Innovation (ARMI)
- Lignocellulosics Engineering to Advance Dewatering (LEAD)
- Valorize Forestry and Agriculture Residues-based Materials (V-FARM)
- Waste to Advance Low-Cost Lignocellulose Innovations for Energy (WALLI-E)
- Multi-sensory Augmented Nanoscale Temporal Imaging and Spectroscopy (MANTIS)
- Artificial Intelligence-Visual Imaging & Spectral Imaging Optical Neural Networks (AI-VISIONN)
- Sustainable Alternatives to Plastics Packaging and Harvesting of Indigenous Renewable Energy (SAPPHIRE)
- Integrated Techno-Economics and Life-cycle Analysis (In-TELCA)