Welcome

The  Bioresource Science & Engineering Laboratories are composed of three physical spaces, each devoted to Bioproducts research; The Wollenberg Paper and Bioresource Science Laboratory (pilot facility), finishing laboratory, and TAPPI test laboratory.   Research is focused on the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass such as agricultural residues into cellulosic and nano cellulosic fibers for application in fiber composites.

The Wollenberg Paper and Bioresource Science Laboratory pilot plant is a 4000-square foot facility with a range of pilot scale industrial equipment that includes;

• N&W Former 12″ Paper Machine
• Kiefel Naturformer molded pulp unit
• M/K two 10-liter digesters
• Microfluidics fluidizer
• Aurora Oxygen Bleacher
• Steam Gun
• Hand sheet laboratory
• Wet end chemistry laboratory
• 12″ Sprout-Waldron Refiner and hydra pulper system

The TAPPI test laboratory has a variety of analytical instrumentation for the physical testing of paper or lignocellulosic materials and composites.   It is a humidity and temperature-controlled environment that includes the following test capabilities;

• Optical Properties; brightness, ISO, whiteness, opacity, color
• Mechanical Properties; tensile, tear, zero-span compression, internal bond strength, crush
• Physical Properties; porosity, smoothness, formation