William R. Ashurst and Virginia A. Davis, faculty members in Auburn University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, have been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to investigate cellulose nanocrystals in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The research is being conducted in collaboration with Christopher L. Kitchens, an Auburn chemical engineering alumnus and assistant professor in Clemson University’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. 

Their project, “Collaborative Research: Processing and Properties of Cellulose Films for MEMS Applications,” could provide a significant economic impact as MEMS can be used in a variety of applications, including air bags and consumer electronics. MEMS offer an alternative to expensive electronic grade silicon, the industry standard for advanced sensors and microtechnologies.  

“Cellulose nanocrystals are attractive because of their mechanical properties, surface chemistry and ability to self-assemble,” says Davis. “Successful development of cellulose nanocrystal-based MEMS could result in less expensive devices with unique properties.”