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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, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), to modify plant fibers to produce advanced biocomposites. His research has given him a wide range of material processing skills, including large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). He is committed to the circular bioeconomy by using renewable resources across industries such as construction, packaging, automotive, and chemical. 

Research Focus

1) Advanced manufacturing of high-performance plant fiber reinforced polymer composites. 2) Renewable nanomaterials as multifunctional additives.

Research Questions
  • How to make plant fibers strong enough to replace synthetic fibers in polymer composites?
  • How can AI contribute to the advanced manufacturing of biocomposites?
  • How can nanocellulose benefits chemicals by being a multifunctional additive?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
BSE 650 - Selected Topics
1 - 3 credit hours

Lecture, group discussion, and individual study on specialized developments.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

Other Instructors: Hayes, Douglas Gordon

Semesters Offered: Summer
FORS 531 - Advanced Biocomposite Materials
3 credit hour(s)

Aims to equip graduate students with a comprehensive understanding of biocomposites by exploring the integration of natural fibers, polymers, and renewable materials into composite systems. The curriculum emphasizes the critical evaluation of natural fiber types, their sources, and their physical and chemical properties, as well as the scientific principles underpinning their application in composite manufacturing. Students will delve into advanced topics such as the engineering of bioderived, thermoset, and thermoplastic matrices, alongside synthetic alternatives, to analyze how material selection impacts composite performance. By addressing emerging innovations in biocomposite development, the course fosters an appreciation for the dynamic growth potential within this field.

Other Instructors: Zhang, Zihao

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Picture of Lu Wang, Ph.D.

865-946-1124

luwang@utk.edu

Google Scholar
209A CRC Material Sci & Tech
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
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
Kehao Ren
Xuan Li
Xiangyu Li
Web Presence
LinkedIn
Wang's T.E.A.M Lab

Lu Wang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor | School of Natural Resources
Picture of Lu Wang, Ph.D. image

865-946-1124

luwang@utk.edu

Google Scholar
209A CRC Material Sci & Tech
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
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, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), to modify plant fibers to produce advanced biocomposites. His research has given him a wide range of material processing skills, including large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). He is committed to the circular bioeconomy by using renewable resources across industries such as construction, packaging, automotive, and chemical. 

Research Focus

1) Advanced manufacturing of high-performance plant fiber reinforced polymer composites. 2) Renewable nanomaterials as multifunctional additives.

Research Questions
  • How to make plant fibers strong enough to replace synthetic fibers in polymer composites?
  • How can AI contribute to the advanced manufacturing of biocomposites?
  • How can nanocellulose benefits chemicals by being a multifunctional additive?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
BSE 650 - Selected Topics
1 - 3 credit hours

Lecture, group discussion, and individual study on specialized developments.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

Other Instructors: Hayes, Douglas Gordon

Semesters Offered: Summer
FORS 531 - Advanced Biocomposite Materials
3 credit hour(s)

Aims to equip graduate students with a comprehensive understanding of biocomposites by exploring the integration of natural fibers, polymers, and renewable materials into composite systems. The curriculum emphasizes the critical evaluation of natural fiber types, their sources, and their physical and chemical properties, as well as the scientific principles underpinning their application in composite manufacturing. Students will delve into advanced topics such as the engineering of bioderived, thermoset, and thermoplastic matrices, alongside synthetic alternatives, to analyze how material selection impacts composite performance. By addressing emerging innovations in biocomposite development, the course fosters an appreciation for the dynamic growth potential within this field.

Other Instructors: Zhang, Zihao

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Lab Members
Kehao Ren
Xuan Li
Xiangyu Li
Web Presence
LinkedIn
Wang's T.E.A.M Lab