DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE NOVEL PRODUCTS FROM THE APPALACHIAN FOREST

The main goal of this proposal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of using cellulosic fibers from underutilized Appalachian Hardwood species in the production of sustainable filaments for 3D printing processes, and sustainable woven and nonwoven materials for applications in the textile, medical and/or packaging industry.To address the main goal, the following specific objectives have been proposed:1.Evaluate novel woody bio-nanocomposite materials to produce filaments for 3D printing processes.2.Evaluate the production of nonwoven materials using commercial microfibrillated cellulose in combination with other bio-based polymers.3.Design and implement a methodology to produce wool-like fibers from commercial microfibrillated cellulose and use them in a woven production.4.Evaluate the production micro- nanofibrillated cellulose (MNFC) using the concept of "intensified thermochemical process" at laboratory scale.