Department Seminar Series

Gang Sun, professor in the textiles division at the University of California-Davis discussed chemically modified polymers that are processed into nano and submicrofibers. The project converts halamine structures after chlorine bleaching, which provides rapid and refreshable biocidal functions against most pathogens upon contact.

Mahesh Hosur, professor of materials science engineering at Tuskegee University, discussed the affordability of composites with increased performance, survival, reliability and maintainability. He also provided an overview of his research aimed at dispersing nanoparticles into the fiber, matrix and foam of a composite material, as well as to fabricate macro-scale systems out of nanophased constituent material.

David Bransby, professor of energy crops and bioenergy in Auburn University's Department of Agronomy and Soils, provided an overview of the emerging cellulosic biofuel industry in the United States including cellulosic feedstocks and technologies for producing cellulosic biofuels, including alcohols, such as ethanol and hydrocarbons and alkalines, such as diesel, aviation fuel and gasoline.

Mark Barteau, Robert L. Pigford Chair of Chemical Engineering and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Delaware, provided an overview of the challenges that researchers face when attempting to design better catalysts from a molecular-level. He described the methodology used to combat these challenges by focusing on reactions where selectivity is the overriding consideration.