Wood Materials & Engineering
Wood Materials & Engineering research involves a broad range of projects that exhibit excellence in both fundamental and applied areas of wood materials and engineering.
Specific areas of research emphasis at WSU include:
- Design and manufacture of wood composite materials
- Performance-based design methodologies for wood materials
- Novel building systems
- CLT and mass timber
Personnel
Pouria Bahmani
Assistant Professor
Donald A. Bender
Emeritus Professor
Muhammad Khusairy Bin Bakri
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Dane Camenzind
Research Engineer
Avishek Chanda
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Hongtao Dang
Assistant Professor
Julia Day
Assistant Professor
Director, ID+CL
Associate Director, CMEC
Director, ID+CL
Associate Director, CMEC
J. Daniel Dolan
Emeritus Professor
Karl R. Englund
Research Professor
WSU Co-Site Director, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
WSU Co-Site Director, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Joshah Jennings
Lab Manager
Ji Yun Lee
Assistant Professor
Scott R. Lewis
Associate in Research
Hui Li
Assistant Research Professor
WSU Co-Site Director, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
WSU Co-Site Director, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Lina Pilar Martínez-Valencia
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Robert J. Tichy
Research Engineer
Michael P. Wolcott
Regents Professor & Vice President, Research
Vikram Yadama
Director, CMEC
Louisiana Pacific Distinguished Professor in Wood Materials and Engineering
Louisiana Pacific Distinguished Professor in Wood Materials and Engineering
Projects
Integration of biofuels and bioproducts production into forest products supply chains using modular biomass gasification and carbon activation
USDA/FS/Rocky Mtn Res Station, (2011), $244,328.00
A Pilot Supply Chain for Advanced Manufacture of CLT in the Pacific Northwest
USDA-FS, (2015-2017), $249,993
Development of high-performance lignocellulosic composites for building envelopes: Authentic learning about sustainable materials through research-based inductive approach
National Science Foundation CAREER Award, (2012-2017), $481,878
Alternative Jet Fuel Supply Chain Analysis
Federal Aviation Administration, (2014-2017), $1,044,999. Visit website here.
Inland-Northwest Forest Products Research Consortium
USDA Wood Utilization Research Program
Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA): A new vista for green fuels, chemicals, and environmentally preferred products (EPPs)
NIFA-USDA, (2011-2016), $39,600,000. Visit NARA website here.
Publications
- A comparison of methodologies for estimating delivered forest residue volume and cost to a wood-based biorefinery Martinkus, N., Latta, G., Morgan, T. & Wolcott, M. (2017). A comparison of methodologies for estimating delivered forest residue volume and cost to a wood-based biorefinery. Biomass and Bioenergy, 106: 83-94. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2017.08.023
- Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Micro/Nanofibrils from Douglas Fir Zhu, R., and V. Yadama. 2017. Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Micro/Nanofibrils from Douglas Fir. Journal of Polymers and the Environment. DOI:10.1007/s10924-017-1013-6
- Design and Evaluation of Thin-Walled Hollow-Core Wood-Strand Sandwich Panels Voth, C., N. White, V. Yadama, and W. Cofer. 2015. Design and Evaluation of Thin-Walled Hollow-Core Wood-Strand Sandwich Panels. Journal of Renewable Materials, 3(3):234-243.
- Potential Use of Deformed Shank Nails as a Solution to Annoying Vibrations in Wood Floor Systems Olson, B., J.D. Dolan, B. Duncan, and H. Schiedermeier. 2015. Potential Use of Deformed Shank Nails as a Solution to Annoying Vibrations in Wood Floor Systems. Forest Products Journal. doi: […]
- Unique low-molecular-weight lignin with high purity extracted from wood by deep eutectic solvents (DES): A source of lignin for valorization Alvarez-Vasco, C., R. Ma, M. Quintero, M. Guo, S. Geleynse, K.K. Ramasamy, M. Wolcott, and X. Zhang. 2016. Unique low-molecular-weight lignin with high purity extracted from wood by deep eutectic […]
- From the Forest to the Classroom: Energy Literacy as a Co-Product of Biofuels Research Hougham, J., S. Hollenhorst, J. Schon, K.B. Eitel, D. Hendrickson, C. Gotch, T. Laninga, L. James, B. Hough, D. Schwartz, S.N. Pressley, K. Olsen, L. Haselbach, Q. Langfitt, and J. […]
- Evaluation of physical structural features on influencing enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of micronized wood Jiang, J., J. Wang, X. Zhang, and M.P. Wolcott. 2016. Evaluation of physical structural features on influencing enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of micronized wood. RSC Advances. DOI: 10.1039/C6RA22371K. 6(105):103026-103034.
- Multistep process to produce fermentable sugars and lignosulfonates from softwood enzymolysis residues Liu, Y., J. Wang, and M.P. Wolcott. 2016. Multistep process to produce fermentable sugars and lignosulfonates from softwood enzymolysis residues. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b02328.
- Modeling the production of sugar and byproducts from acid bisulfite pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of Douglas-fir Liu, Y., J. Wang, and M.P. Wolcott. 2016. Modeling the production of sugar and byproducts from acid bisulfite pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of Douglas-fir. Bioresource Technology. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.10.071.
- Effects of Hot Water Extraction Pretreatment on Physicochemical Changes of Douglas fir Zhu, R. and V. Yadama. 2016. Effects of hot water extraction pretreatment on physicochemical changes of Douglas fir. Biomass and Bioenergy. DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.03.028. 90:78-89.
- Interrelationship between lignin-rich dichloromethane extracts of hot water-treated wood fibers and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in wood plastic composite (WPC) production Pelaez-Samaniego, M.R., V. Yadama, M. Garcia-Perez, E. Lowell, R. Zhu, and K. Englund. 2016. Interrelationship between lignin-rich dichloromethane extracts of hot water-treated wood fibers and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in wood […]
- Mechanochemical oleation of lignin through ball milling and properties of its blends with PLA Guo, X., J. Xin, M.P. Wolcott and J. Zhang. 2016. Mechanochemical oleation of lignin through ball milling and properties of its blends with PLA. Chemistry Select. DOI: 10.1002/slct.201600633. 1(13):3449-3454.
- Assessing the specific energy consumption and physical properties of comminuted Douglas-fir chips for bioconversion Liu, Y., J. Wang, and M.P. Wolcott. 2016. Assessing the specific energy consumption and physical properties of comminuted Douglas-fir chips for bioconversion. Industrial Crops and Products. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.08.054. 94:394-400.
- Abundance and characteristics of lignin liquid intermediates in wood (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) during hot water extraction Pelaez-Samaniego, M.R., V. Yadama, M. Garcia-Perez and E. Lowell. 2015. Abundance and characteristics of lignin liquid intermediates in wood (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) during hot water extraction. Biomass and […]
- Material pocket dynamic mechanical analysis: A novel tool to study thermal transition in wood fibers plasticized by an ionic liquid (IL) Ou, R., Y. Xie, Q. Wang, S. Sui, and M.P. Wolcott. 2015. Material pocket dynamic mechanical analysis: A novel tool to study thermal transition in wood fibers plasticized by an […]
- Preparation and properties of oriented sorghum-thermoplastic composites using flat hot-pressing technology Qi, C., V. Yadama, K. Guo, and M.P. Wolcott. 2015. Preparation and properties of oriented sorghum-thermoplastic composites using flat hot-pressing technology. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. DOI: 10.1177/0731684415591066.
- Effect of hot-pressing temperature on the subsequent enzymatic saccharification and fermentation performance of SPORL pretreated forest biomass Zhang, J., A. Laguna, C. Clemons, M.P. Wolcott, R. Gleisner, J.Y. Zhu, and X. Zhang. 2014. Effect of hot-pressing temperature on the subsequent enzymatic saccharification and fermentation performance of SPORL […]
- Thermoplastic deformation of poplar wood plasticized by ionic liquids measured by a nonisothermal compression technique Ou, R., Y. Xie, Q. Wang, S. Sui, and M.P. Wolcott. 2014. Thermoplastic deformation of poplar wood plasticized by ionic liquids measured by a nonisothermal compression technique. Holzforschung – International […]
- Integrating Biogeophysical and Social Assets Into Biomass-to-Biofuels Supply Chain Siting Decisions Martinkus, N., W. Shi, N. Lovrich, J. Pierce, P. Smith, and M. Wolcott. 2014. Integrating Biogeophysical and Social Assets Into Biomass-to-Biofuels Supply Chain Siting Decisions. Biomass & Bioenergy 66:410-418.
- A model for faculty, student, and practitioner development in sustainability engineering through an integrated design experience Wolcott, M.P., S. Brown, M. King, D. Ascher-Barnstone, T. Beyreuther and K. Olsen. 2011. A model for faculty, student, and practitioner development in sustainability engineering through an integrated design experience. […]
- Comparative Life-cycle Assessment of Sheet Molding Compound Reinforced by Natural Fiber vs. Glass Fiber Wang, J., S.Q. Shi and K. Liang. 2013. Comparative Life-cycle Assessment of Sheet Molding Compound Reinforced by Natural Fiber vs. Glass Fiber. J Agric Sci Technol, 3:493-502.
- Green Rating Integration Platform – A Decision Making Tool for Multi-Modal Construction Facilities: Sustainable Water & Material Practices. Alam, M.A., L. Haselbach, G. DeRooy, C. Poor and M. Wolcott. 2014. Green Rating Integration Platform – A Decision Making Tool for Multi-Modal Construction Facilities: Sustainable Water & Material Practices. […]
- Influence of atmospheric pressure plasma treatments on the surface properties of ligno-cellulosic substrates Lekobou, W.L., K.R. Englund, M.P. Laborie and P.D. Pedrow. 2014. Influence of atmospheric pressure plasma treatments on the surface properties of ligno-cellulosic substrates. Holzforschung, DOI:10.1515/hf-2014-0211.
- Characterization and comparison of thermal stability of agro wastes fibers in bio-composites application Ogah, A.O., J.N. Afiukwa and K.R. Englund. 2014. Characterization and comparison of thermal stability of agro wastes fibers in bio-composites application. J. of Chemical Eng, and Chemistry Research 1(2):84-93.
- The rheology and extrusion processing performance of wood/melamine composites Englund, K.R. and L.W. Chen. 2014. The rheology and extrusion processing performance of wood/melamine composites. J. of Applied Polymer Science 131, DOI: 10.1002/app.39858.
- Interfacial properties of magnesium phosphate ceramics and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) Chi, H. and K.R. Englund. 2013. Interfacial properties of magnesium phosphate ceramics and sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Holzforschung (DOI 10.1515/hf-2013-0113).
- Pelleted biochar: chemical and physical properties show potential use as a substrate in container nurseries Dumerose, R.K., J. Heiskanen, K.R. Englund, and A. Tervahauta. 2011. Pelleted biochar: chemical and physical properties show potential use as a substrate in container nurseries. Biomass and Bioenergy 35:2018-2027.
- Analysis and evaluation of a fruit bin for apples Alam, M.A., V. Yadama, W.F. Cofer, K.R. Englund. 2013. Analysis and evaluation of a fruit bin for apples. Journal of Food Science and Technology (Published Online; DOI 10.1007/s13197-012-0889-3)
- Profile forming of pre-pressed wood-strand preforms Wang, Y., V. Yadama and D. Bhattacharyya. 2013. Profile forming of pre-pressed wood-strand preforms. Composites Part A, 46: 131-139.
- A review of wood thermal pretreatments to improve wood composite properties Pelaez-Samaniego, R., V. Yadama, E. Lowell, and R. Espinoza-Herrera. 2013. A review of wood thermal pretreatments to improve wood composite properties. Wood Science and Technology, 47(6):1285-1319.
- Effect of hot water extraction on particleboard produced from hardwood and softwood Pelaez-Samaniego, R., V. Yadama, M. Garcia-Perez, E. Lowell, and T. Amidon. 2014. Effect of hot water extraction on particleboard produced from hardwood and softwood. Holzforschung, 68(7):807-815.
- Effect of temperature during wood torrefaction on the formation of lignin liquid intermediates. Pelaez-Samaniego, R., V. Yadama, M. Garcia-Perez, E. Lowell, and A. McDonald. 2014. Effect of temperature during wood torrefaction on the formation of lignin liquid intermediates. Journal of Analytical and Applied […]
- Thermal stability and degradation simulation of sweet sorghum during hot pressing process of composites Qi, C., V. Yadama, K. Guo, and M.P. Wolcott. 2015. Thermal stability and degradation simulation of sweet sorghum during hot pressing process of composites. Industrial Crops and Products, 69:335-343.
- Interrelationship between lignin-rich hot water extracts of wood fiber and thermoplastic resin Pelaez-Samaniego, R., V. Yadama, M. Garcia-Perez, E. Lowell, R. Zhu, and K.R. Englund. 2015. Interrelationship between lignin-rich hot water extracts of wood fiber and thermoplastic resin. Holzforschung (DOI: 10.1515/hf-2014-0309).
- Application of fiber undulation model to predict oriented strand composite elastic properties Yadama, V. and M.P. Wolcott. 2015. Application of fiber undulation model to predict oriented strand composite elastic properties. Journal of Renewable Materials. DOI: 10.7569/JRM.2015.634103. 3(3):216-223.
- Effect of bark fibre content and size on the mechanical properties of bark/HDPE composites Yemele, M.C.N., A. Koubaa, A. Cloutier, P. Soulounganga and M. Wolcott. 2010. Effect of bark fibre content and size on the mechanical properties of bark/HDPE composites. Composites Part A. Applied […]
- Characterization of wood strands from young, small-diameter douglas-fir and western hemlock trees Yadama, V., E.C. Lowell and C.E. Langum. 2012. Characterization of wood strands from young, small-diameter douglas-fir and western hemlock trees. Wood and Fiber Science. 44(1):36-45.
- Forming characteristics of pre-pressed wood-strand preforms Wang, Y., V. Yadama and D. Bhattacharyya. 2013. Forming characteristics of pre-pressed wood-strand preforms. Composites Part A, 46: 131-139.
- Thermal conductivity of sorghum and sorghum-thermoplastic composite panels Qi, C., V. Yadama, K. Guo, and M.P. Wolcott. 2013. Thermal conductivity of sorghum and sorghum-thermoplastic composite panels. Industrial Crops and Products. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.01.011, 45:455-460.
- Hot water extracted wood fiber for production of wood plastic composites (WPCs) Pelaez-Samaniego, R., V. Yadama, E. Lowell, T. Amidon and T.L. Chaffee. 2012. Hot water extracted wood fiber for production of wood plastic composites (WPCs). Holzforschung (Published Online; DOI: 10.1515/hf-2-12-0071).
- Application of micromechanical models to tensile properties of wood–plastic composites Migneault, S., A. Koubaa, F. Erchiqui, A. Chaala, K.R. Englund, C. Krause, and M.P.Wolcott. 2011. Application of micromechanical models to tensile properties of wood–plastic composites. Wood Sci. and Tech. DOI […]
- Effect of Tie-Layer on the Bond Strength Between Thermoplastic and Borate-Treated Wood Substrate Michael, S.G., V. Yadama and D.A. Bender. 2010. Effect of Tie-Layer on the Bond Strength Between Thermoplastic and Borate-Treated Wood Substrate. Wood and Fiber Science. 42(4):419-428.
- Water sorption and mechanical performance of preheated wood/thermoplastic composites Kaboorani, A. and K.R Englund. 2011. Water sorption and mechanical performance of preheated wood/thermoplastic composites. Journal of Composite Materials. 45(13):1423-1433.
- Reinforcing and toughening effects of bamboo pulp fiber on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) fiber composites Jiang, L., F. Chen, J. Qian, J.J. Huang, M. Wolcott, L.S. Liu and J. Zhang. 2010. Reinforcing and toughening effects of bamboo pulp fiber on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) fiber composites. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry […]
- All-cellulose composites prepared from flax and lyocell fibres compared to epoxy-matrix composites Gindl-Altmutter, W., J. Keckes, J. Plackner, F. Liebner, K.R. Englund, and M.P. Laborie. 2012. All-cellulose composites prepared from flax and lyocell fibres compared to epoxy-matrix composites. Composites Sci and Tech. […]
- Damage of the cell wall during extrusion and injection molding of wood plastic composites Gacitua, W., D. Bahr and M. Wolcott. 2010. Damage of the cell wall during extrusion and injection molding of wood plastic composites. Composites Part A. Applied Science and Manufacturing. 41(10):1454-1460.
- Hybrid Poplar as a Feedstock for Wood Plastic Composites Englund, K.R. 2008. Hybrid Poplar as a Feedstock for Wood Plastic Composites. Forest Products Journal. 58(5):61-65.
- Feasibility of using mountain pine beetle attacked wood to produce wood-plastic composites Chang, F.C., F. Lam and K.R. Englund. 2010. Feasibility of using mountain pine beetle attacked wood to produce wood-plastic composites. Wood and Fiber Science. 42(3):388-397.
- Never-dried bacterial cellulose/fibrin composites: preparation and basic morphological and mechanical properties Brown, E.E., J. Zhang, and M.P. Laborie. 2011. Never-dried bacterial cellulose/fibrin composites: preparation and basic morphological and mechanical properties. Cellulose. 18:631–641.
- Glutaraldehyde treatment of bacterial cellulose/fibrin composites: impact on morphology, tensile and viscoelastic properties Brown, E.E., M.P. Laborie, and J. Zhang. 2012. Glutaraldehyde treatment of bacterial cellulose/fibrin composites: impact on morphology, tensile and viscoelastic properties. Cellulose. 19:127–137.
- Tailor made OSB for special application Barbuta, C., P. Blanchet, A. Cloutier, V. Yadama and E. Lowell. 2011. Tailor made OSB for special application. Holz Als Roh- Und Werkstoff, 69(4):511-519.
- OSB as substrate for Engineered Wood Flooring Barbuta, C., P. Blanchet, A. Cloutier, V. Yadama and E. Lowell. 2012. OSB as substrate for Engineered Wood Flooring. Holz Als Roh-Und Werkstoff. 70(1-3):37-43.