Symposium

In addition to the conference, a Nanotechnology in Wood Composites Symposium will be held on May 18, 2011 and will take place at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory. A select group of speakers will inform attendees on the latest research on applying nanotechnology to wood-based composites.

Wednesday Morning
Keynote Address
Is nanotechnology the future of forest products? Hear what University of Maine Professor Doug Gardner has to say on the subject.
Session I: Applying Nanotechnology to Wood Composites
This session gives two examples of where nanotechnology and wood composites intersect: 1) applying nanotechnology to wood composites and 2) using nano-scale materials derived from wood to produce composites. Come hear about enhancing durability of wood-based composites with nanotechnology and transparent polymer nanocomposites.

Wednesday Afternoon
Session II: Applications and Processing Methods
How can we use nanocellulose? This session explores new research in medical applications, paint, and thermoset composites, and as well as a new drying and grafting method for cellulose nanofibrils.
Session III: Nanocellulose Composites
This session explores some of the latest research advances relevant to nanocellulose composites including: suface modifications of fibrillated cellulose, nanowhisker alignment by electrical fields, hybrid porous cellulose/metal nanocomposites, and nano-structured carbons from thermal treatment.

OPTIONAL TOUR
An optional tour of the new USDA Forest Products Laboratory 90,000 square foot research facility will take place on Wednesday morning, May 18.