Bio-based Materials, Cellulose & Biocomposites

MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC
View Co-Located Events

Bio-based Materials,
Cellulose & Biocomposites

This session is focused on recent developments in biobased materials, bio- and nano-composites and their applications. Other topics of interest include use of bio derived materials in different processes, sustainability, supply chain security, circular economy, and environmental impacts. The session will include research presentations from academic and industry experts from around the world and a poster session reception. Please submit an abstract describing your research in this area and join us at this important event.

Topics & Application Areas

Bio-Based Materials Innovations & Applications
Cellulose-based materials and composites
Lignin based aromatics and composites
Sustainable Composite Materials and Supply Chain
Circular Economy and Recycling
Bio-based Materials Applications in Agriculture and Foods
Novel Bio derived material Applications in Building Materials, Automotive, Marine and Wind Industries
Environmental Impact Assessment of Bio-Based Products/Processes
Other

>Symposium Co-Chairs

Halil Tekinalp

R&D Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Susan MacKay

Senior Program Manager

University of Maine

Key Speakers Include

Plant Fibers with In-situ Supramolecular Interfacial Modifications for Biocomposites

Lu Wang

Assistant Professor,

University of Tennessee

Cellulose Biobarriers for Sustainable Consumer Products

Jeff Youngblood

Professor,

Purdue University

Back to Top ↑ 2026 Symposium Sessions
	Tuesday March 10
1:30	Bio-based Materials and Cellulose
4:00	Bio-based Materials & Cellulose - Posters

2026 Symposium Program
	Tuesday March 10

1:30	Bio-based Materials and Cellulose	RCC 201
	Session chair: Halil Tekinalp, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, & Susan MacKay, University of Maine
	Plant Fibers with In-situ Supramolecular Interfacial Modifications for Biocomposites L. Wang, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, US
	Cellulose Biobarriers for Sustainable Consumer Products J.P. Youngblood, Y. Wang, D. Dewar, J. Zhang, R.J. Moon, G.T. Schueneman, Purdue University, US
	Cellulose nanofibers-enabled micro- and nanoplastic removal Y. Yang, J. Qiu, Texas A&M University, US
	Lignin Modification to Obtain Increased Functionality in Hydrophobic Coatings L. Novak, S. Bera, A. Upadhyay, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US
	STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER Toward Industrial-Scale Chitin Nanowhisker Manufacturing via Affordable Ionic Liquid Processing R. Panackal Shibu, S.L. Sagala, B. Kelly, J.L. Shamshina, Texas Tech University, US
	Enhanced Hydrogen Bonding of Chitosan–Microfibrillated Cellulose Coating for Sustainable Packaging and Food Protection L. Kumar, S.C. Agwuncha, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US
	Melanin in Space: Bio-Derived Radiation Shielding for Extreme Environments R.J.B. Cordero, MelaTech, US

4:00	Bio-based Materials & Cellulose - Posters	Expo Hall AB
	Sustainable Industrial-Scale Manufacturing of Chitin Nanowhiskers Using Affordable Ionic Liquids R. Panackal Shibu, S.L. Sagala, B. Kelly, J.L. Shamshina, Texas Tech University, US
	STUDENT BEST ABSTRACT WINNER A Simple Method of Powdered Cellulose Carboxylation Utilizing Organic Mixed Acid Hydrolysis M. Baladi, E. McDowell, J. Alston, Medical College of Georgia, US
	The Power of Biochar: Sustainability Meets Human Health S. Mandal, D. Morales, O. Karki, P. Jogi, Texas State University, US
	Toward Sustainable PLA Filaments through the Incorporation of Cellulosic Materials J. Pereira-Rojas, N. Barrios, D. Saloni, North Carolina State University, US
	Microfibrillated Cellulose Enabled Composite Coatings: Creating Functional Barrier and Recyclable Packaging Material A. Upadhyay, L.A. Lucia, L. Pal, North Carolina State University, US