S2.1
Cellulose and Carbon-Based Nanocomposites
Stephen J. Eichhorn
College of Engineering, Maths & Physical Sciences, Physics Building, University of Exeter, Stocker
Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL; s.j.eichhorn@exeter.ac.uk
Abstract
This talk will cover some work done in my laboratory to try and understand the structure
property relationships of cellulose and carbon nanofibres and nanocomposites.
Using a Raman spectroscopic technique we have been able to map local stress states
in nanocomposites comprising cellulose nanocrystals (or nanowhiskers), nanofibrils
from both plant and bacterial sources and also most recently in carbonized and hybrid
nanocomposite structures. The effects of moisture and local environment on the
properties of cellulose nanocomposites will be highlighted, with some opportunities to
develop hybrid nanocomposite fibres for high tech applications.
Short Biography
Professor Steve Eichhorn graduated in Physics from the University of Leeds in 1993 and
subsequently completed a Masters degree in Paper and Forestry Industries Technology
at Bangor and UMIST in 1994/5. He then went on to do a PhD degree, graduating in 1999
on the subject of the “Deformation Micromechanics of Regenerated Cellulose Fibres”. His
academic appointments have been as a temporary Lecturer in the Department of Paper
Science (then separate from the School of Materials) in 1997-8 and as a Visiting Research
Scientist from 1998-1999. After this period he went to work under the supervision of
Professor Bob Young FREng FRS as a postdoctoral research associate (1999-2002) and
was appointed as a Lecturer in the Materials Science Centre in 2002. He was subsequently
promoted to Senior Lecturer and Reader and took up a full-Professor position at the
University of Exeter in 2011. His research interests are the interface between natural
and biomaterials research with particular emphasis on cellulosic materials and
composites. In terms of techniques, Professor Eichhorn has particular expertise in the
use of Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron x-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics/
mechanics modelling of polymeric materials. He is a member of the ACS Cellulose and
Renewable Materials division, the Institute of Physics a Fellow of Institute of Materials
and of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Professor Eichhorn was the winner of the 2012
Rosenhain Medal and Award from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining for his
distinguished contributions to ‘Materials Science’.
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