Research

The overarching theme of AC-PABE's multidisciplinary research program is the realization of the highest possible sustainable value from our nation's forest-based biomass. The emphasis is on advanced materials development, energy efficiency enhancement, environmental engineering, fiber recycling, alternative fiber resources, process simulation and control, and product quality improvement. The objective is to give US industry information and technology that will ensure its international competitiveness while providing a maximum return to society.

AC-PABE's research and development programs in biorefining are focused on the deployment of thermochemical, biochemical and advanced biomass fractionation/depolymerization technologies to help create the forest biorefinery of tomorrow.  Active research projects cover Fischer-Tropsch catalysis for biofuels production; lignocellulosic pretreatment and SSCF technologies for ethanol production; biomass fractionation process development; and supercritical water processing of biomass for bio-crude and hydrogen production.  AC-PABE has a number of industrial partners including Masada Resource Group, PureVision Technology, ThermoChem Recovery International, NeoSources International, Alabama River Pulp and the Gas Technology Institute.  These companies are partners in various commercial demonstration projects including pulp mill sludge to ethanol, pulp mill waste gasification to liquid fuels, pulp mill waste to bio-crude and algae to biodiesel.  Funding is being provided by Auburn University, Masada, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama River Pulp, DOE and NSF.