About the Seminar:

Title:

Nanocellulose-reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract:

The plastic industry is increasingly interested in reducing plastic waste during production. One potential solution is to use alternative, recycled, or biodegradable materials, like nanocellulose. Nanocellulose is gaining popularity due to its biocompatibility, renewability, and ease of surface modification. However, the hydrophilic nature of cellulose makes it challenging to use with hydrophobic polymers commonly used in the dry processing of composite products. Various chemical isolation methods and surface functionalities have emerged as convenient solutions to address this issue and improve cellulose compatibility and physical performance within polymer composites. This presentation will share results from our lab’s investigation of cellulose isolation via acid hydrolysis and their processing as fillers in petroleum- and plant-based polymer composites.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Curry is a professor in the Department of Nanoengineering at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering at North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Curry completed his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry at the University of Alabama (2004) and his B.S. in chemistry at the University of West Alabama (1999). His research interests focus on preparing and characterizing biodegradable nanocomposites and developing new bioinspired materials to eliminate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and to reduce its negative impact on climate change, as documented in some 40 peer-reviewed publications, two U.S. patents, three pending patent applications, and over 100 technical presentations and his work has gained more than 1200 scientific citations in his field of study.  He has served as a primary and co-primary investigator on numerous multidisciplinary, multi-institutional NSF-funded centers, bringing in record amounts of grant funding in his career to support research and educational capacity-building activities at HBCUs.  Further, Dr. Curry serves on the committees of national organizations such as ACS and TAPPI in efforts to build diversity in the chemical sciences. 

Dr. Curry has positively impacted STEM education through his research platform by empowering students from historically marginalized and underserved backgrounds at all levels. His passion for STEM education has resulted in funded programs that include (1) development of K-12 curricula to improve science education at school districts of the Alabama Black Belt region, (2) an evidence-based bridge program that provides mentoring and academic support to promote persistence in STEM, (3) summer internship and student exchange programs for undergraduate and graduate students, and (4) a graduate education model to provide joint mentorship and promote community of underrepresented students pursuing faculty positions, (5) a master’s teaching certification program aimed at preparing STEM professional to become educators, and much more.  Dr. Curry has made a far-reaching impact in STEM education by establishing infrastructure, partnerships, and educational platforms to recruit diverse students and prepare them for STEM careers. Dr. Curry’s passion for STEM has earned him numerous accolades, including being named the 2021 NOBCChE HBCU Pioneer Awardee, nomination for the National ACS Henry and Camile Award for mentoring and encouraging URMs in STEM, being selected as one of the Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs, and being featured on the cover of Exeleon Black History Month magazine for his work as the founder and CEO of Eco-friendly Plastic Materials, LLC.