Person

Lu Wang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor | School of Natural Resources

Specialization: Polysaccharides, Biocomposites, Adhesion & adhesives, Large-format 3D printing, Plant nanotechnology

Overview

Dr. Wang is a sustainable materials scientist who specializes in cellulose materials and biodegradable polymers. He uses green chemistry to improve the interfacial interaction among fibers and matrices to form strong fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composites. His research has given him a wide range of processing skills, from conventional molding to advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, roll-to-roll coating, and electrospinning. The application areas of his research include traditional construction materials, emerging 3D-printed plastic houses, biodegradable packaging materials, automotive components, and nanocellulose-based agrochemicals. He is committed to the circular bioeconomy by utilizing renewable resources and exploring material recycling to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Research Focus

1) High-performance natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. 2) Large-scale 3D printing of biocomposites for structural applications. 3) Renewable nanomaterials to improve crop yields.

Research Questions
  • How to make natural fibers strong enough to replace synthetic fibers in polymer composites?
  • How to avoid nanocellulose from agglomeration in polymers to fully utilize its potential?
  • How to minimize the dimensional change of biopolymers in large-format 3D printing?
  • How to use nanocellulose to boost agrochemical's efficiency on crops?
Picture of Lu Wang, Ph.D.
215 CRC Bioenergy Science and Technology Unit
2500 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4542
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Tech, University of Maine, Orono, 2017
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Lab Members

Lu Wang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor | School of Natural Resources
Picture of Lu Wang, Ph.D. image
215 CRC Bioenergy Science and Technology Unit
2500 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4542
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Tech, University of Maine, Orono, 2017
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Overview

Dr. Wang is a sustainable materials scientist who specializes in cellulose materials and biodegradable polymers. He uses green chemistry to improve the interfacial interaction among fibers and matrices to form strong fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composites. His research has given him a wide range of processing skills, from conventional molding to advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, roll-to-roll coating, and electrospinning. The application areas of his research include traditional construction materials, emerging 3D-printed plastic houses, biodegradable packaging materials, automotive components, and nanocellulose-based agrochemicals. He is committed to the circular bioeconomy by utilizing renewable resources and exploring material recycling to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Research Focus

1) High-performance natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. 2) Large-scale 3D printing of biocomposites for structural applications. 3) Renewable nanomaterials to improve crop yields.

Research Questions
  • How to make natural fibers strong enough to replace synthetic fibers in polymer composites?
  • How to avoid nanocellulose from agglomeration in polymers to fully utilize its potential?
  • How to minimize the dimensional change of biopolymers in large-format 3D printing?
  • How to use nanocellulose to boost agrochemical's efficiency on crops?
Lab Members