Bio-based Materials

Understanding bio-based materials research at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute at Georgia Tech begins with appreciating our rich history in forest bioproducts. RBI’s research builds on this history to produce innovative, application-driven solutions.

Our current research  focuses on cellulosic nanomaterials derived from natural resources that can be used alone or in combination with other materials. Bioproducts under development include composite materials, low-cost carbon fibers, barrier films, aerogels, materials for 3-D printing and coatings. Beyond bioproducts, we are examining how the inclusion of bio-based materials can be a platform for tailoring product performance.

RBI works with a diverse portfolio of industry to understand challenges and engineer more sustainable solutions using bio-based materials. For example, RBI is positioned to support industry pursuing higher performing functional packaging to address consumer expectations and evolving societal needs. We value our industry partners to inform fundamental research directions and help realize the untapped potential of bio-based materials.

Areas of Expertise: 
Aerogels & Hydrogels
Biocomposites
Films & Coatings
Nanocellulose Applications
New Materials
New Materials for 3D Printing

Biomaterials picture

Victor Breedveld
Associate Professor and Frank Dennis Faculty Fellow
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
victor.breedveld@chbe.gatech.edu
Phone (404) 894-5134
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Blair Brettmann
Assistant Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
blair.brettmann@mse.gatech.edu
404-894-2535
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Yulin Deng
Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
yulin.deng@rbi.gatech.edu
(404) 894-5759
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Hamid Garmestani
Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
hamid.garmestani@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 385-4495
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Rosario Gerhardt
Professor, Goizueta Foundation Faculty Chair
Materials Science and Engineering
rosario.gerhardt@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 894-6886
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Dennis Hess
Professor and Thomas C. DeLoach, Jr. Chair
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
dennis.hess@chbe.gatech.edu
(404) 894-5922
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Karl Jacob
Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
karl.jacob@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 894-2541
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Bernard Kippelen
Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
bernard.kippelen@ece.gatech.edu
(404) 385-5163
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Satish Kumar
Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
satish.kumar@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 894-7550
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Mark Losego
Assistant Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
losego@gatech.edu
(404) 385-3630
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Chris Luettgen
Professor of the Practice and Associate Director, RBI
Renewable Bioproducts Institute
chris.luettgen@rbi.gatech.edu
(404) 894-6908
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J. Carson Meredith
Director, Renewable BioProducts Institute; Professor and J. Carl Pirkle Sr. Faculty Fellow
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
carson.meredith@chbe.gatech.edu
(404) 385-2151
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Robert Moon
Adjunct Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
robertmoon@fs.fed.us
(404) 894-1026
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Christopher Muhlstein
Associate Professor, Associate Director MPRL
Materials Science and Engineering
christopher.muhlstein@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 385-1235
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H. Jerry Qi
Professor
Mechanical Engineering
qih@me.gatech.edu
(404) 385-2457
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Elsa Reichmanis
Professor and Pete Silas Chair
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
ereichmanis@chbe.gatech.edu
(404) 894-0316
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David Rosen
Professor
Mechanical Engineering
david.rosen@me.gatech.edu
(404) 894-9668
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Paul Russo
Professor, Hightower Chair in Biopolymers
Materials Science and Engineering
paul.russo@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 385-2607
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Meisha L. Shofner
Associate Professor, MSE
Materials Science and Engineering
meisha.shofner@rbi.gatech.edu
(404) 894-2082
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Mohan Srinivasarao
Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
mohan.srinivasarao@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 894-9348
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Eric Vogel
Deputy Director IEN, Associate Director for Shared Resources IMat
Materials Science and Engineering
eric.vogel@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 385-7235
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Krista Walton
Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
krista.walton@chbe.gatech.edu
(404) 894-5254
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Youjiang Wang
Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
youjiang.wang@mse.gatech.edu
(404) 894-7551
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Donggang Yao
Professor
Materials Science and Engineering
yao@gatech.edu
404-894-9076
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