Biobased Products
Bioproducts research at RBI builds on decades of experience collaborating with pulp and paper manufacturers – extending today into a broad array of industries interested in creating value from forest and agricultural materials. The spectrum of bioproducts research at RBI spans operational excellence of existing pulp and paper manufacturing assets to creating new products. RBI is helping companies become more efficient and cost effective in their operations – and develop value added products for the future.
Biobased Materials
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.
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.
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Value-added Chemicals
At RBI, we are developing new process technologies to improve the production of value-added chemicals from biomass. We are working along the value chain from the initial conversion of woody plant material into fiber, cellulose components and lignin, and into common precursor molecules such as lignin monomers and sugars. Our faculty is working on technology and economic innovations in chemical catalysis, biocatalyst engineering, biological engineering, fermentation and downstream processes to upgrade the precursors molecules into biofuels, commodity chemicals, polymer monomers and pharmaceuticals.
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Key Contacts
For more information on RBI’s initiatives on Bio-based Products, and how to get involved, please contact one of our initiative leads working in the area.
Matthew Realff
Professor and David I.J. Wang Faculty Fellow, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
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RBI Initiative Lead: Next Generation Refinery
Zhaohui (Julene) Tong
Associate Professor, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
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RBI Initiative Lead: Waste Valorization in Food-Energy-Water
Valerie Thomas
Anderson-Interface Chair of Natural Systems Professor, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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RBI Initiative Lead: Sustainability Analysis
Andy Bommarius
Professor, Clifford W. Rackley Faculty Fellow, and Nobles Family Faculty Fellow, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
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RBI Initiative Lead: Renewable-based Economy from WOOD (ReWOOD)
