Cellulose Conference
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose:
Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced
Materials
April 9-11, 2000
Syracuse, New York, USA
Hosted by:
State University of New York
College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Background
Evolving technologies for new and improved utilization of wood and cellulose directly impact chemical, energy
generating, forest products, pulp and paper industries, as well as other major private sector components, including
advanced materials.
Based on recent data, the forest products industry in New York alone employs 66,000 people, generates $10 billion
annually and collectively ranks sixth in employment. The nation is also endowed with a large renewable wood and
cellulose fiber resource base that is available for conversion into high-valued chemicals, fuels and products.
Purpose
The conference seeks to build new partnerships among industries, government agencies, non-government organizations,
and scientists to identify opportunities to expand the use of renewable wood and cellulose fiber to produce economically
and environmentally competitive chemicals, fuels and advanced materials. The conference will bring together scientists
and organizations pursuing innovative ideas with entities in the best position to take ideas towards successful
commercialization.
Objectives
1. Provide a forum for the development of new partnerships to expand the use of renewable wood and
cellulose resources to produce chemicals, fuels and advanced materials for the 21st century.
2. Design pathways to create commercial success while protecting the environment.
Desired Outcomes
1. Define the present technological state of the art in wood and cellulose utilization.
2. Generate a renewed sense of urgency that biomass resources must be utilized globally as a strategic
alternative to petroleum.
3. Establish the linkages required between fundamental technology and commercialization of new
products based on biomass. Showcase existing alliances and success stories.
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4. Facilitate development of new alliances and networks for wood and cellulose utilization.
For further information, contact
Kevin Lambrych at (315) 470-6853
fax: (315) 470-6856
email: cellulose@esf.edu
Webpage: http://www.esf.edu/cellulose
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Cellulose Conference- Poster Abstracts
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Poster Abstracts
Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilization and Pre-Harvest Biomass Estimation of Short-Rotation Woody Crop Plantations
Benjamin D. Ballard and Russell D. Briggs- SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 218 Marshall Hall, 1 Forestry Dr., Syracuse,
NY 13210 [e-mail: bdballar@syr.edu]
Short-rotation woody crop plantations of fast-growing trees, such as willow and poplar, can be grown as alternative sources of clean, renewable
energy. These intensive culture systems have high nutrient demands. Application of N at three rates, (100, 200, and 300 kg N/ha) as slow-release
urea and a control were used to evaluate the impact of fertilization on second-year yields of five willow clones and one poplar clone in three
plantations across New York State. Regression equations were developed to estimate standing biomass. Willow clone SV1 and poplar clone NM6
benefited from fertilization, reaching yields as high as 20.3 and 21.6 o.d. Mg/ha by the second year of the rotation, respectively. The responses of
the other four willow clones were confounded greatly by weeds and unmeasured site factors, though there was some benefit from fertilization. Tree
biomass response to fertilization differed by site and was a function of survival, weeds, and the interactions with site and microsite variations.
Fertilizing at rates above 100 kg N/ha for a three-year rotation are recommended only when additional site data indicate a need.
Progress in the Development of Surface Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals to Be Used as Reinforcing Fillers in Engineering Thermoplastics
Deepanjan Bhattacharya and William T Winter- Cellulose Research Institute, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of
New York , Syracuse, NY-13210
Cellulose was obtained from bagasse after mercerization and bleaching. It was then broken down into nanoparticles through a process of
homogenization. The surface of these nanocrystals was chemically modified with maleic anhydride. This was confirmed by infra red spectroscopy
that revealed the presence of a carbonyl peak at 1730 cm-1 . The degree of surface modification was obtained by determining the acid number. The
extent of reaction was found to be greater in case of the commercial grade microcrytalline cellulose as compared to the nanocrystals obtained from
bagasse. These surface modified nanocrystals serve as an excellent source of reinforcing fillers in composites based on engineering thermoplastics.
Studies on the extent of improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites, on addition of these surface modified fillers are currently in
progress.
Issues Facing the Wood-Using Industries
Hugh O. Canham, Professor- Faculty of Forestry, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210[email:
hocanham@esf.edu]
The wood-using industries face serious issues concerning fiber supply, environmental regulations, public pressures, policies and laws. A study
undertaken by the author, during the fall of 1999, with funding from the Joachim Foundation, has produced current information on what industry
people feel are the important issues and dimensions of them. Knowledge of these issues will enable researchers, academicians, and policy makers,
and industry personnel to better direct their efforts to improve the economic health of some of the nation’s leading economic sectors. Results will
be displayed in poster format with the author available for discussion and comment.
Enzymatic Modification of Selected Polysaccharides Using a Carboxylesterase from Arthrobacfer viscosus
W. Cui, W.T. Winter, S.W. Tanenbaum, and J.P. Nakas- SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, New York 13210
An intracellular carboxylesterase was purified to homogeneity from the soil bacterium Arthrobacter viscosus. The purified enzyme was a monomer
with a molecular mass of 16.7 kDa, a pI of 5.6, and exhibited optimal activity at 40°C and pH 7.4. The enzyme demonstrated typical Michaelis-
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Menten kinetics with a Km of 55.8uM toward glucose pentaacetate, and 30.8uM toward p-nitrophenyl acetate, the Vmax was 3.3 umole min. -1
mg-1 for pentaacetate and 562 umole min. -1 mg-1 for p-nitrophenyl acetate. The purified enzyme was active against a broad range of substrates
especially acetyl esters, but was inactive when the fatty acid chain was longer than four carbon atoms.
The purified carboxylesterase was used to modify polysaccharides by removing O-acetyl groups from xanthan, alginate, and the EPS from A.
viscosus. The enzymatic deacetylation of EPS from A. viscosus indicated that the viscosity of EPS solutions corresponded to the acetyl
concentration of the polymer in the range of 15 to 30%. Further deacetylation (below 15%) did not result in additional reduction in viscosity. The
purified carboxylesterase also catalyzed an enzymatic transesterification reaction using isopropenyl acetate as the acetyl donor, and cellobiose and
cellulose as substrates. Enzymatic acetylation of cellulose may provide an useful method for producing unique species of cellulose acetates with
specific commercial applications.
Chemicals and Biofuels from Hardwood, Fuel Crops and Agricultural Wastes
Janis Gravitis- United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies. 53-67 Jingumae 5-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8304. [email:
gravitis@ias.unu.edu];
Nikolay Vedernikov, Janis Zandersons and Arnis Kokorevics- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. Dzerbenes 27, Riga, LV1006, Latvia
It would be important to produce furfural and levoglucosan (LG) as monomers for organic synthesis in one two-step process. But the simultaneous
obtaining of these two products till nowadays was considered as theoretically impossible because of near values of kinetical parameters of furfural
formation and cellulose destruction. This results in the 40-50% cellulose destruction during the furfural obtaining process.
The other problem which has not been solved during 77 years of the industrial furfural production was a comparatively low yield of furfural not
exceeding 55% from theoretical. The mechanism of the process was to be changed in order to solve both problems simultaneously. It was done
on the basis of a new non-traditional approach – theory of differentiated catalysis. The fast pyrolysis of lignocellulose to obtain LG was carried
out. LG derivatives, synthesized according to reactive hydroxyl groups, have been used in a variety of applications (polyethers, polyuretanes and
reactive oligomers).
Plant biomass conversion into chemicals as well as their combination with carbonization technologies and steam explosion will be discussed.
These integrated technologies are orientated to achieve Zero Emissions target (no waste in air, water and land), the program was launched in 1994
by the United Nations University.
Progress in the Development of Cellulose Reinforced Nanocomposites
Maren Grunert and William T. Winter- Cellulose Research Institute and Department of Chemistry, SUNY-ESF, 121 Edwin C. Jahn Laboratory,
Syracuse, NY 13210 [email: mgrunert@mailbox.syr.edu]
Cellulose nanocrystals and topochemically trimethylsilylated cellulose nanocrystals were prepared from bacterial cellulose. The crystals were
characterized by FTIR and CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The surface derivatization was
investigated as a function of reaction time. The trimethylsilylation appeared to be completed after 18 hours. Nanocomposites were prepared with
crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane as matrix and unreacted or surface trimethylsilylated cellulose crystals as particulate phase. The nanocomposites
were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis. A reinforcement with respect to the pure matrix was observed for both the composite with
unreacted and the composite with trimethylsilylated crystals. The extent of reinforcement depended strongly on temperature, oscillation frequency
and surface chemistry of the particulate phase.
Expression of white-rot fungi manganese peroxidase (MnP) in the yeast Pichia pastoris
Lina Gu, Christine Kelly and Curtis Lajoie- Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-1190 [e-mail:
ckelly@syr.edu]
Lignin polymers are a major obstacle to efficient utilization of lignocellulose in industrial processes. White-rot fungi are the most effective lignin
degrading organisms known. Whereas some organisms can access cellulose by oxidizing, depolymerizing and solubilizing lignin, white-rot fungi,
such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, are also capable of mineralizing lignin. P. chrysosporium produces two types of extracellular ligninolytic
enzymes; lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP). LiP and MnP are heme-containing enzymes that catalyze the H 2 O 2 dependent degradation of lignin. Production of commercially viable yields of these enzymes has not been achieved, precluding their evaluation and
subsequent use in bio-manufacturing processes.
Research is being conducted on the heterologous production of ligninolytic enzymes from P. chrysosporium using the Pichia pastoris
(methylotrophic yeast) expression system. The gene encoding MnP2 has been cloned from induced cultures of P. chrysosporium via RT-PCR, and
inserted with the endogenous signal sequence downstream of the strong methanol promoter AOXI in the P. pastoris vector pHIL-D2. To increase
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yields important variables being studied include alternative secretion signals, P. pastoris phenotypes (Mut+ , Muts ), pH, and heme concentration. It
is hypothesized that high yields of ligninolytic enzymes can be achieved by maintaining adequate levels of intracellular heme during enzyme
biosynthesis.
Microparticle Dispensers for the Controlled Release of Insect Pheromones
Patrick J. Hennessy, Arthur J. Stipanovic and Francis X. Webster- Department of Chemistry, SUNY - College of Environmental Science and
Forestry, Jahn Laboratory, One Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210 [email: pahennes@syr.edu]
Pheromones play a very important role in the world of insects. In most cases, females will emit pheromones to attract a male to mate. For many
insects, the specific mating pheromone has been characterized and can now be synthesized in large quantities in the laboratory. This allows us to
use these synthetic pheromones in monitoring pest population, mass trapping, and in mating disruption. The main focus of this project is to
improve upon existing controlled release technology used for mating disruption. Currently, dispensers used in this application are relatively large,
non-biodegradable, and are manpower intensive to implement in the field. In this project, micron-sized biodegradable pheromone dispensers have
been fabricated which could, potentially, be broadly applied via conventional spraying. Preliminary work with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)
particles has shown that the evaporation rate for the gypsy and codling moth pheromones, as determined by an "aeration" procedure and Thermal
Analysis (TGA, DSC), can be modified through adsorption of these compounds onto a cellulosic substrate. To further control evaporation rate,
MCC particles can be coated with biodegradable polymers, including cellulose derivatives and other polysaccharides.
Influence of Dehydrating Agents on Carbonization of Cellulose and Wood
Dae-Young Kim, Yoshiharu Nishiyama, Masahisa Wada, and Shigenori Kuga- Department of Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of
Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan [email: d-kim@sbp.fp.a.utokyo.ac.jp]
Some inorganic agents are known to be effective in developing large surface area in production of activated carbon from cellulosic materials. We
notice that these additives also significantly affects mass yield and properties of resulting chars due to their action as dehydrating agents. We chose
sulfuric acid as additive and examined its influences on carbonization of cellulose and wood. The addition of sulfuric acid resulted in lowered
decomposition temperature, significant improvement in mass yield, smaller shrinkage, and higher rigidity of the resulting char. These effects are
interpreted to result from facilitated extraction of water from cellulose accompanied by development of extended carbon networks. The same
features were observed for wood meal with somewhat decreased degrees as a result of presence of non-cellulose substances. Since sulfuric acid is
evaporated in the course of carbonization, resulting carbon does not need washing as in the case of zinc chloride or other inorganic salts, and this
can be advantageous in preparing block-shaped materials.
Genetic Improvement of Salix at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Richard F. Kopp, Lawrence B. Smart, Lawrence P. Abrahamson and Charles A. Maynard- SUNY- College of Environmental Science and
Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210 [email: rfkopp@syr.edu]
Shrub willow is rapidly coming to the forefront as a biomass crop when grown under short-rotation intensive culture in the temperate regions of
the world. SUNY-ESF has been a leader in North American research aimed at dedicated willow crop systems. Significant increases in yield and
wood quality are likely to be attained through the development of genetically superior clones. SUNY-ESF has assembled and tested a large diverse
collection of willow germplasm from across the Northeast United States and Southeast Canada and began using the material in controlled intraand interspecific crosses in 1998. S. eriocephala and S. purpurea are well represented in the collection, with small numbers of clones of ten other
willow species. F1 full-sib progeny produced during 1998 and 1999 are currently being field-tested. Controlled crosses to produce F2 full-sib
progeny will be completed during February-April 2000. Molecular fingerprinting by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) is in
progress to facilitate clone selection and confirm clone identity. This poster will present the status of willow genetics research for bioenergy crops
in the United States.
Kraft Pulp from Plantation-Grown Bio-mass Willow
Hannu P. Makkonen, Stephen G. Granzow, and Emmett S. Cheshire- Empire State Paper Research Institute/SUNY-ESF, 1 Forestry Drive,
Syracuse, NY 13210 [email: espri@syr.edu]
A short experimental evaluation was done on the papermaking potential of willow grown on an ESF plantation for biomass energy. The growth
rate for willow was 5-7 (max. 13) o.d. gross tons/acre/year (~25-35 m 3 /ha/a, max. 65 m 3 /ha/) rendering it competent in growth with the fastgrowing eucalyptus.
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It was resolved that both barked and debarked chips (after 3 years of growth) pulped fully with screened yields between 47.2 % and 53.9 %, at
kappa numbers 16.2 to 26.6, and that the unbleached kraft pulps from debarked wood contained better sheet properties than those from raw
material containing bark. Both were compared to a commercial ECF-bleached eucalyptus pulp and it was shown that the willow samples contained
good strength properties despite of short fibers (~.54 mm). Willow was proven to be a viable commercial fiber source.
The preliminary results call for a further study on more mature wood (5-6 years), and on processing alternatives for debarking (15%), and fiber
fractionation.
Keywords: Bark, biomass, eucalyptus, fiber length, kraft pulp, willow.
Industrial Benefits: The favorable growth rate of willow and its homogeneous fiber length distribution along with easy delignification and beating
might attract the industry's interest in willow as raw material source for pulping instead of energy.
Synthesis of Poly(lignin-g-(1-chloroethylene)) Under a Partial Factorial, Experimental Design
John J. Meister and Vipul Shah- Center for Forest Products Research, Inc., Seven Technology Center, 2008 Hendola Drive, NE, Albuquerque, NM
87110-4808
A four-factor, one third factorial, Box Behnken experimental design of 27 reactions was chosen to determine yield of a graft copolymerization of
lignin and 1-chloroethene. Yield as a function of lignin concentration (CLignin ), 1-chloroethene concentration (CCE ), calcium chloride
concentration (CCaCl2 ), and hydrogen peroxide concentration (CH2O2) in dimethylsulfoxide is:
Yield = 212.0 * CLignin -92. 19 * CCE + 57.49 * CCaCl2 +150.5 * CH2O2 +523 * CLignin * CLignin -189 * CCE * CLignin +84.5 * CCE * CCE 1150 * CCaCl2 * CLignin -13.9 * C CaCl2 * CCE +296 * C CaCl2 * C CaCl2 -343 * CH2O2 * CLignin -193 * CH2O2 * CCE +358 * CH2O2 * C CaCl2 302 * CH2O2 * CH2O2 +33.85
The synthesis of poly(lignin-graft-vinyl chloride) requires pressure containment to allow the reaction of the gaseous monomer, steps to increase the
kinetics of the polymerization, and an optimization of the ratios of the reactants. Pressure containment was achieved by using a set of inexpensive
pipe reactors which allow bulk samples of the polymer to be produced. Increased kinetics and 48 hour production of product was achieved by
tripling the monomer content of the reactor and increasing containment pressure to raise the rate of reaction. Rate is directly dependent on the
pressure of monomer over the reaction solution and the Henry’s Law constant of 1-chloroethene in the reaction mixture.
Utilization of Liquefied Product from Cellulosic Materials Incorporated with Reactive Solvents for Adhesive Source
Hirokuni Ono- Graduate School of Agri. and Life Sci., The University of Tokyo. 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657 Japan [email:
ahono@mail.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp];
Tatuhiko Yamada- Forestry and Forest Product Research Institute, The Ministry of Agri., Fishery and Forestry. Box 16, Tsukuba Norin Danchi,
Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan [email: yamadat@ffpri.affrc.go.jp]
Cellulosic materials were liquefied in the presence of sulfuric acid under normal pressure by using either phenol or ethylene glycol. Both solvents
provided complete liquefaction products which dissolve in some polar organic solvent. Fractionation was applied to the dissolving parts and the
residues of the products along with reaction time course. The cellulosic component in wood was found to lose its pyranose ring structure and
finally convert into liquefied product, suggesting that these liquefactions would provide decomposed substance by drastic solvolysis reaction. The
product is confirmed to have phenolic moieties when phenol is used for liquefaction.
In the case of ethylene glycol liquefaction, glucosides were observed at the initial stage of liquefaction and levulinates after complete liquefaction.
These findings indicate that the proper selection of liquefaction would make possible to prepare polymers of special use. The potential of the
liquefied products for plastics including adhesives will be discussed on the basis of chemical characteristics of the products. The performance of
adhesion from liquefied products will be also discussed.
De-inking of Recycled Pulps Using Column Flotation
Somporn Chaiarrekij, H. Gupta, W. Amato and B. V. Ramarao- Department of Paper Science and Engineering, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY-13210.
Column flotation is a novel technique of separation of hydrophobic particles from a suspension. As such, it has been applied widely in the mineral
processing industry to replace agitated cells in the separation of minerals. By avoiding the usage of an agitator inside a cell, a flotation column
offers considerable energy benefits besides smaller capital outlays and operational costs. These factors have made it attractive compared to
agitated flotation cells and hence column flotation has been applied widely in the mineral processing industry.
In this report, we provide details of two experimental column flotation set-ups in our laboratories. An experimental investigation of column
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flotation as applied to de-inking of a 50-50 mix of photocopier and laser-print waste paper is described. Experiments were conducted in both the
batch and the continuous mode of operation. Hand-sheets were made from the de-inked pulp and the brightness and ink particle size distributions
were measured.
The kinetic constants for de-inking were determined for the batch as well as the continuous modes. A preliminary investigation of the subprocesses involved in particle attachment to bubbles was made to provide details of the kinetic constants.
A Novel Fractionation Process Based on Very Dilute Sulfuric Acid Hydrolysis of Hardwood for The Improved Production of Fuels and
Chemicals
Robert W. Torget and Richard T. Elander- Biotechnology Center for Fuels and Chemicals National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
80401[Phone: (303) 384-6178 Fax: (303) 384-6877 email: Robert_Torget@NREL.gov];
Bonnie R. Hames, Amie D. Havercamp and David K. Johnson- Chemistry for Bioenergy Systems National Renewable Energy Laboratory,Golden,
CO 80401
A continuous two stage dilute sulfuric acid (0.07 wt%) fractionation of hardwood sawdust has been demonstrated at the bench scale and is now
being scaled up to the pilot scale (200 Kg/day). The proposed plug-flow first stage and a countercurrent second stage should allow for
hemicellulose sugar recoveries of about 95%, cellulose conversions between 60 and 93%, and Klason lignin solubilization of 60-70%. Glucose
yields are near theoretical (independent of the desired conversion) in this reactor mode and defy most of the previous kinetic predictions, and will
be discussed in light of novel cellulose hydrolysis kinetics. Three lignin fractions are obtained in approximately equal amounts: a high molecular
weight fraction (40,000-80,000); a fraction containing monomeric to tetrameric phenolic oligomers which are soluble in methanol, ethanol,
acetone, THF, and MIBK, and well suited for conversion to liquid fuels; and a fraction containing monomeric and dimeric phenolic units with an
average MW of 410 which are very soluble in water and the above mentioned solvents, and well suited to conversions to simple phenols, quinones,
and muconic acids.
Cellulose Powder as a Component of Thermoset Resins: Characterization, Functionalization and Curing Studies
A.J.Varma- Chemical Engineering Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune-411008, India [e-mail: ajvarma@che.ncl.res.in]
Incorporation of cellulosic materials as major components of currently known plastics presents an attractive strategy to produce new polymeric
materials which are likely to be more environment-friendly. In the current work being presented, cellulose powder (and starch) has been
chemically modified to have some aldehyde, carboxyl, or amino functional groups on the cellulose chain, and these were blended with epoxy resin
and cured. As a result of this chemical modification, the following advantages were noted, as compared to unmodified cellulose, in epoxy matrices
: 1) No phase separation of the modified filler due to incompatibility with the matrix resin, since the cellulosic filler is also the curing agent as well
as coupling agent 2) No additional curing agent is needed if sufficient reactive functional groups are created along the polymer chain, and a
compounding step is avoided for separate addition of a curing agent 3) The curing rate is significantly enhanced.
Further, in order to get reproducible results from commercial cellulose powder, the starting commercial cellulose powder must be well
characterized. The characterizations carried out in our laboratory were based on angular-dependent x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, wide-angle
x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, solid-state CP-MAS C-13 NMR, and solvent extractions. The importance of these characterizations is also
discussed.
Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Thermobifida Fusca Cellulases Cel6A and Cel6B
David B. Wilson, Sheng Zhang and Diana Irwin- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, 458 Biotechnology Building,
Ithaca, NY 14853 [email: dbw3@cornell.edu]
Cel6A is an endocellulase with an open active site and Cel6B is a homologous exocellulase with its active site in a tunnel. The 3-dimentional
structure of Cel6A has been determined by X-ray crystallography at 1.0 Å resolution and we have a model of the structure of Cel6B based on the
structures of T. fusca Cel6A and T. reesei Cel6A, another exocellulase. Fifty mutations in twenty different Cel6A residues were prepared,
expressed and the mutant enzymes were assayed for activity on four cellulosic substrates and their binding affinities to several ligands. Analysis of
the data from these experiments showed that Cel6A utilized an Asp residue as an essential catalytic acid, but does not contain an essential catalytic
base. The data also show that movement of one of the loops near the active site is required for activity. A similar study was carried out on Cel6B
in which twenty-three mutations in eleven residues were produced and characterized.
Rapid Liquefaction of Lignocellulosic Waste in the Presence of Cyclic Carbonates for Preparing Levulinic Acid and Polyurethane Resins
Tatsuhiko Yamada- Wood Chemistry Division, FFPRI : Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, P.O. Box16, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687,
Japan [email: yamadat@ffpri.affrc.go.jp]
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Hirokuni Ono- Graduate school of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
Liquefaction of lignocellulosics is the technique that converted lignocellulosic waste into useful liquid materials. Through liquefaction,
lignocellulosics can be easily and completely converted into substances soluble in widely used organic solvents such as dioxane, methyl alcohol
and acetone by using phenols or polyhydric alcohols, in the presence of acid catalyst at temperatures of 130 to 150 o C under atmospheric pressure.
We have found cyclic carbonates such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate provide very rapid liquefaction of lignocellulosic materials.
The rate of cellulose liquefaction in the presence of ethylene carbonate was approximately 10 times faster than that of current liquefaction using
polyhydric alcohols. The liquefied lignocellulosics were used for preparing polyurethane resins in cooperation with isocyanates. Cyclic carbonates
particularly accelerated the acid solvolysis of cellulose, and rapidly led cellulose to levulinates. Levulinic acid was easily produced from liquefied
lignocellulosics through hydrolysis following the liquefying treatment. Levulinic acid is known as a key chemical intermediate in the production of
other important compound. This technique could be applied to a synthesis method for levulinic acid from biomass.
Cellulose Based "Smart Fluids": Stimuli Responsive Materials for the New Millennium
Shengnin Zhang, Arthur J. Stipanovic and William T. Winter- Department of Chemistry and the Cellulose Research Institute, SUNY- College of
Environmental Science and Forestry, Jahn Laboratory, Syracuse, New York 13210 [e-mail :astipano@esf.edu or wtwinter@syr.edu]
Stimuli Responsive Fluids (SRFs) are an emerging class of 21st century "smart materials" that are capable of reversibly transforming themselves,
on a millisecond time scale, from the liquid to solid state in response to changes in external electrical or magnetic fields. This effect enables the
mechanical properties of a device, such as an automotive shock absorber, to be continually adjusted in real-time in response to input stimuli such
as irregular road surfaces, thereby creating safer and more energy-efficient vehicles and equipment. SRF applications in ultrafast, computercontrolled machines and virtual reality are also emerging. SRFs are typically composed of solid, electrically or magnetically polarizable particles
dispersed in a fluid medium usually a mineral oil or silicon fluid. Derivatized cellulose fibers and microcrystalline particles can be formulated into
either electrorheological or magnetorheological fluids (ERFs, MRFs) depending on the derivatization process. In this paper, preliminary results on
the electrorheological performance of a series of ionically substituted cellulose particles will be compared to several commercially available ERFs.
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Cellulose Conference- Presentation Abstracts
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Presentation Abstracts
Secondary Sludge, An Alternative to Fossil Fuel
Scott Canonico, Manager of Environmental Health & Safety, International Paper Ticonderoga Mill
International Paper’s Ticonderoga mill has turned a waste disposal problem into a clean alternative to fossil fuel. Secondary sludge has historically
consumed an inordinate amount of airspace in the facility’s on site landfill. The mill’s location in the Adirondack Park makes siting and permitting
additional space extremely costly. The mill fielded a vacuum plate and frame press which could achieve 50% solids in dried sludge compared to 13
% solids achievable with a conventional belt press. The new material is easier to handle and has the same heat content as tree bark. The mill has
successfully tested firing of the dried sludge in its multi-fuel power boiler and expects to go full scale in the near future. Full scale drying and firing
of the sludge will increase the landfill’s useful life by over 300%.
Grown in the USA: Bioenergy and Biobased Products
Helena Chum, Chemistry for Bioenergy Systems Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Today’s bioenergy and biobased products will be discussed. Bioenergy ranks second in renewable US primary energy production after hydro. It
ranks fourth worldwide after the fossil resources. It is embedded in our economy through forest and paper products, food production, and the
management of our residues, wastes, and crop processing for energy.
Manufacture of forest products and pulp/paper uses residues and processing streams for heat and power, becoming 75% and 56%, respectively,
energy self-sufficient. Agriculture residues, clean urban wood wastes, and landfill gas generate more than 1% of the electricity in this country.
Ethanol from cornstarch and biodiesel from oil seeds provide 0.4% of transportation fuel and offset imported oil. Heating applications are over ¼
of the primary bioenergy. On average, bioenergy systems today are about 43% efficient. Research, development and demonstration could double
this efficiency.
Biobased products broadly defined include building materials, pulp and paper products, and biomass-derived materials from starch, cellulose,
rubber, lignin, and other components. About 300 billion pounds of these products are used in our economy. An equivalent amount of industrial
organic chemicals are produced. Together, these 600 billion pounds of organic materials and chemicals are in our consumer products for home,
office, leisure, transportation and communications. About 5% of our biobased materials find their way as industrial biobased products. This
number could be increased fivefold by 2020 as both industrial chemicals and biobased materials markets expand. Increased use of biomass in the
21st century will be discussed.
The Market Place and BioTechnologies
Christian P. Demeter, CEO, Antares Group Inc., 4351 Garden City Drive, Suite 301, Landover, Maryland 20785
In this presentation the marketplace will be surveyed for biotechnologies used to produce transportation fuels, chemicals and products, and electric
power. How can new technologies displace entrenched fossil fuel competitors especially as all these industries drive toward greater efficienciesand lower costs? Are there any natural advantages to cellulose-based building blocks and are they valued in the marketplace? Major trends in the
existing industries and the potential opportunities for bioproducts will be discussed. Challenges abound which may require policy interventions at a
Federal or State level. Are there legitimate instances of market failure for bioproducts that should be addressed by policymakers? A few ideas on
developing the market potential for bioproducts will be presented.
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The Biofine Technology: Thermochemical Conversion of Cellulosic Biomass to Fuels and Chemicals
Stephen W. Fitzpatrick, Biofine/Biometics, 300 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA 02451-1019
The Biofine technology is based upon thermochemical degradation of cellulosic biomass to produce levulinic acid. Levulinic acid is a versatile
chemical which can be used as a platform for the production of value-added products ranging from automotive and generator fuel substitutes to
solvents, polymers and herbicides. Levulinic acid has, hitherto, been too expensive to be used as anything but a specialty chemical with a limited
market. Using the Biofine process, levulinic acid can be produced at a cost range of $0.07 to $0.40 per pound depending on the scale of operation.
The process can utilize a wide variety of renewable feedstocks such as agricultural residues and fast-rotation crops and recurring feedstocks such as
municipal waste, paper sludge, waste paper, and waste wood. Biofine’s projections show that this technology, if widely adopted has the potential to
replace well over half of the country’s imported oil needs with renewable feedstocks. In addition, use of renewable or recurring cellulosic
feedstocks results in no net increase of carbon dioxide in the generation and use of chemicals and energy.
Biofine recently built a large-scale demonstration plant in New York State for production of levulinic acid from paper sludge and municipal waste.
This plant, and our operating experience will be discussed. The presentation will also include a discussion of the process technology, feedstocks,
products and markets. An analysis of production economics for large and small-scale commercial plants will also be presented.
Improved Cellulases for Bioethanol Production
Michael E. Himmel, William S. Adney, John O. Baker, Stephen R. Decker, Suzanne L. McCarter, John Sheehan and Todd B. Vinzant,
Biotechnology Center for Fuels and Chemicals National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401
Ethanol is used today as an alternative fuel, a fuel extender, an oxygenate, and an octane enhancer. From just over 10 million gallons of production
in 1979, the U.S. fuel ethanol industry has grown to more than 1.8 billion gallons of annual production. Most of this capacity is based on
technology that converts corn starch to sugars, which are then fermented to ethanol. Throughout this time, the U.S. Department of Energy has
invested in R&D technology that will allow the fuel ethanol industry to expand production using lignocellulosic feedstocks. However, unlike
starch, cellulose is highly resistant to enzymatic degradation. It is now clear that cutting-edge biochemical technologies must be used to reduce the
cost of cellulase activity delivered to the bioethanol process. Current estimates for cellulase usage center around $0.40 per gallon ethanol produced
and these costs must be reduced ten-fold by 2015. Technically, this objective requires a 10-fold increase in enzyme specific activity or production
efficiency or some combination thereof. Efforts recently made to reformulate known cellulase systems and to apply protein-engineering principles
to the problem will be reviewed.
Vermont Gasification Project
John M. Irving, McNeil Generating Station, Burlington Electric Department, 585 Pine St., Burlington, VT 05401 [Phone: 802-865-7482]
The McNeil Station is a 50-mW wood fired electric generating station that began operating commercially in June 1984. It is a conventional grate
boiler utilizing whole tree chips and mill residues
In 1994, the McNeil owners contracted with Future Energy Resources Corporation of Atlanta Georgia to have the Vermont Gasification Project
built on the McNeil site. This project is based on the Indirectly heated gasification technology developed by Battelle Laboratories in Columbus
Ohio. This process can converts biomass to a medium btu product gas comprised primarily of hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide.
The product gas is currently used in the McNeil boiler. Ultimately, a gas turbine will be added to utilize the product gas from the gasifier. This
technology has the potential to increase power plant efficiencies from 25% to 45% HHV in a high efficiency gas turbine cycle or fuel cell. The
project is currently in the startup and shakedown stage.
Reusable and Magnetic Paper: Pathfinders to Advanced Cellulosics
Robert H. Marchessault, McGill University, Chemistry Department and Pulp & Paper Centre, 3420 University St., Montreal, Canada H3A 2A7
A major part of Xerox Corp. profits come from consumables. The rigid standards placed by Xerox on its paper and toner made these into quality
materials that ushered in the office equipment revolution. Today’s new challenge is the reuse of the high quality paper rather than just the recovery
of deinked fibers. To do this a "divorce" of toner and paper is needed, done "in office" as a reverse fusing operation. There are many ways to
accomplish this but one process developed by researches at Xerox research of Canada will be described. Synthetic polymers of all kinds are part of
the materials system of paper. They have made paper highly versatile and beautiful. However, struggling on the edge of the survival precipice,
quality paper is fighting the electronic surrogate for paper: thin, light and as cleverly made as a watermark. Survival depends on novel paper and
cellulose discoveries such as magnetic fibers and liquid crystalline microfibrils with their own intrinsic magnetic susceptibilities. Will field effects
lead us to advanced cellulosics?
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Cellulose Conference- Presentation Abstracts
An Overview of The Modification of Lignin by Graft Copolymerization and The Uses of the Products
John J. Meister, Center for Forest Products Research, Inc., Seven Technology Center, 2008 Hendola Drive, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110-4808
A graft copolymerization chemistry has been developed to modify lignin into the process polymers, plastics, and tire rubber filler needed by
industry and consumers. Lignin is a polyaromatic binder, flame suppressant, and photostabilizer found in all woody plants. The over 20 million
tons of lignin produced in the United States each year as a byproduct of paper manufacture or biomass fermentation is currently burned or
landfilled. We show that solvated lignin, in the presence of a chloride salt and a hydroperoxide, can be grafted with ethene monomers to form
water treatment chemicals for purifying water, dewatering agents to compact sewage sludge, chemicals for insulation and furniture foams,
biodegradable and consumer plastics, binders for wood-plastic composites, and reinforcing fillers for tire rubber while replacing up to 37 million
tons of acrylamide, AMPS, DMDAC, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, styrene, methylmethacrylate, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, and butadiene
petrochemical monomers needed to make these materials. These lignin-containing replacement polymers are made in a reaction between a halide
salt, chloride salt preferred; a hydroperoxide, hydrogen peroxide preferred; lignin; and the appropriate monomer. The reaction runs at room
temperature and, for liquid and solid monomers, at ambient pressure. Yields depend on the monomer but can be made close to 100 percent by
manipulation of the chloride to hydroperoxide ratio, the lignin content, and the monomer content of the reaction.
Laccase Enhancements in Lignocellulosic Biotechnologies
J.P. Nakas, Y.-Z. Lai, J.A. Perrotta, S. Omori, P. Lu, and S.W. Tanenbaum, SUNY-ESF, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210
Biotechnology transfers relating to renewable resources for the oxidative enzyme laccase include: lignin modifications via addition of ligands;
mediator-assisted cellulose oxidations; bioremediation and decolorization of process wastestreams; enzyme pretreatment of lignocellulose
hydrolysates for subsequent fermentations to solvents; modification of paperboard and paper properties; and the delignification of Kraft and other
pulps. Involvement of such "green chemistry" stages in these fundamental forest industry practices could lead to energy savings, better
environmental capabilities, and more efficient routes to value-added byproducts. Toward these ends our efforts have centered on the constitutive
extracellular enzyme, laccase, obtained from an improved strain of Botrytis cinerea as well as with the inducible laccase isoforms from a novel field
isolate of Trametes versicolor. Production, characterization, purification, and covalent chemical modification of these laccases for improved
commercial attributes will be detailed. The formation of hybrid laccase-xylanase enzyme constructs and the identification of effective and lower
cost mediators have also been explored. Applications of these materials for the removal of toxic phenols from effluents, for selective benzylic or
allylic oxidations, and for the biobleaching of pulps will be demonstrated. (Research support provided by NYSERDA and ESPRA).
Accelerating the Commercialization of Biomas Energy in New York State
George Proakis, Consultant for the Syracuse Research Corporation and the New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation; Fenmore
Consulting Services, PO Box 600, Boston MA 02123 [Phone: 617-437-9882 E-mail: george@fenmore.com]
The Current Situation - New York State imports 92% of its energy, at a cost of over $30 billion per year. Reduced agricultural activities have led to
the loss of more than half of upstate farmland from productive agricultural pursuits, causing a decline in the health and stability of rural economies.
Meanwhile, environmental impacts of energy generation remain a concern, especially those associated with the burning of coal for power
generation.
The Opportunity - The Salix Consortium is a national leader in the development willow biomass crops. A near term use for willow biomass is cofiring at coal fired power plants. This homegrown fuel source will simultaneously create new agricultural jobs and tax revenues and reduce
emissions of SO2 and NOx from power plants. In addition, willow biomass is a CO2 neutral fuel.
The Challenge - A significant obstacle to establishing a commercially viable, self-sustaining willow biomass industry is the initial capital
investment required by landowners to establish the willow biomass crop. One approach to overcoming this challenge is the development of an
incentive program to reduce the initial capital investment costs for landowners.
A Solution - This study quantifies the start-up investment costs, economic development impact, and environmental pollution reduction benefits
associated with the creation of a biomass energy industry in New York State. The study recommends the creation of a state sponsored revolving
loan fund that would be used by landowners to finance the cost of establishing willow biomass crops for a landowner. The fund would be
completely paid back within seven years of its creation and place 10,000 acres of land into biomass production. Additionally, state tax revenue
generated by this new rural based economic development activity would exceed the value of the loan fund over that period of time - thus more than
doubling the state's investment required to create the fund. Given that the co-firing market for biomass could demand 80,000 acres of biomass
production, reducing NYS demand for out-of-state coal by 1.6 million tons and create over 400 new jobs. Emissions of SOx and NOx, and CO2
into the New York airshed would be reduced as well.
Cellulose: Recent Progress in Structure and Morphology
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Cellulose Conference- Presentation Abstracts
Anatole Sarko, SUNY-ESF, 121 Jahn Laboratory, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210
Cellulose has been studied since Anselme Payen first described and named it in 1839. As new analytical tools were invented, each was applied, in
turn, to its characterization– a testimonial to the continuing interest in cellulose and cellulosic materials.
Chemists soon determined the principal molecular characteristics of cellulose – its macromolecular nature, high molecular weight, and a linear,
stereoregular structure of b-1,4-D-glucan. In the process, they helped establish the new science of polymer chemistry.
However, it was not until computers were harnessed to help in structural analysis that fine details of the solid-state structure of celluloses became
known. Diffraction methods – using both x-rays and electron beams – coupled with computer-based molecular modeling emerged as the principal
tools of study. As a result, we now understand, among other things, the differences between the crystal structures of cellulose polymorphs, the
unusual "parallel-chain" characteristic of natural celluloses, and how the latter are converted to the "antiparallel-chain" cellulose II without loss of
fibrous morphology. With continual refining of the diffraction-modeling methodology, the atomic-scale resolution of the structure of solid-state
cellulose has reached a remarkable degree of precision.
Crystallographic studies remain of continued interest – in such areas as the bacterial synthesis of cellulose and the enzymatic degradation of
cellulose.
Molecular Modeling of Cellulose Synthase
Inder M. Saxena and R. Malcolm Brown, Jr., Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Texas
at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Thomas Dandekar, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Postfach 102209, D-69012 Heidelberg, Germany
Cellulose is synthesized by cellulose synthase, a membrane protein that catalyzes the direct polymerization of glucose from the substrate UDPglucose into a glucan chain in a processive manner. The mechanism of glycosyl transfer during cellulose biosynthesis takes place by an acid-base
reaction that results in the inversion of configuration at the anomeric carbon. Since this type of reaction is catalyzed by amino acids with a reactive
side-chain, sequence analysis using this criterion led to the identification of conserved aspartic acid residues and a QXXRW motif in cellulose
synthase and other processive b-glycosyltransferases. The conserved residues in cellulose synthase are predicted to function in the catalytic
reaction and they are present in a central globular region. The predicted structure of the catalytic region reveals the presence of a central elongated
cavity between the conserved aspartic acid residues. The dimension of the cavity suggests that it can accommodate two UDP-glucose residues. The
QXXRW motif is predicted to be involved in the binding of the growing glucan chain and residues in this motif are shown to be present in a
region close to the central cavity. Possible events leading to the synthesis of a glucan chain in the cellulose synthase catalytic site will be
discussed.
Enhancing Mechanical Pulping with Fungal Pretreatment in the Wood Yard
Gary M. Scott, Department of Paper Science and Engineering, SUNY-ESF, 313 Walters Hall, Syracuse, NY 13210
Biopulping is a technological breakthrough for the pulp and paper industry that would substantially reduce the electrical energy consumption
during papermaking. Besides energy savings, the technology would reduce the environmental impact of pulping and produce paper with improved
quality. In this process, industrial-sized wood chips are treated with a "natural" wood decay fungus for two weeks prior to pulping.
Biopulping is the treatment of wood chips and other lignocellulosic materials with lignin-degrading fungi prior to pulping. Ten years of industrysponsored research has demonstrated the technical feasibility of the technology for mechanical pulping at a laboratory scale. Two 50-ton outdoor
chip pile trials recently conducted at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin have established the
engineering and economical feasibility of the technology. After refining the control and the fungus-treated chips through a thermomechanical pulp
(TMP) mill, the resulting pulps were made into papers on the pilot-scale paper machine at FPL. In addition to the 30% savings in electrical energy
consumption during refining, improvements in the strength of the resulting paper were seen due to fungal pretreatment. Because of the stronger
paper, we were able to substitute at least 5% kraft pulp in a blend of mechanical and kraft pulps. This recent work has clearly demonstrated that
economic benefits can be achieved with biopulping technology through both the energy savings and substitution of the stronger biopulped TMP for
more expensive kraft, while maintaining the paper quality.
Arizona Chemical: Converting Papermaking and Citrus Byproducts to Performance Chemicals and Materials
Kerry L. Thompson, Group Leader Innovative Technologies, Arizona Chemical, Savannah Technology Center, P.O. Box 2668, Savannah, GA
31402 [E-mail: Kerry.Thompson@ipaper.com]
Arizona Chemical, a company of International Paper, is a multimillion dollar global business that upgrades black liquor and turpentine, both
byproducts of the kraft papermaking process and citrus limonene, a byproduct of the orange juice industry into value added products for many
markets. In most of these markets, Arizona is the technical leader in terms of product quality and value, making it an outstanding example of a
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Cellulose Conference- Presentation Abstracts
successful, world class company that is committed to renewable resources. This lecture will highlight Arizona’s business and describe several
examples of Arizona’s technical and business achievements.
Willow Biomass Crops for Bioenergy and Bioproducts
E.H. White, L.P. Abrahamson, T.A. Volk and C.A. Nowak, SUNY-ESF; E. Neuhauser, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation; E. Gray, C. Demeter
and C. Lindsey, Antares; J. Peterson, New York State Research and Development Authority
Over two decades of research on woody crops in New York, combined with growing concern about environmental issues, prompted the formation
of the Salix Consortium in 1994. Over 20 organizations have pooled their resources and talents to facilitate the development of willow biomass
crops as a locally grown source of renewable energy and cellulose feedstock that produces multiple benefits for the Northeastern and Midwest
regions of the United States. SUNY-ESF, and other Salix Consortium partners, continue to develop and expand a strong applied research program,
which underpins the commercialization effort. Research focuses on both optimizing the production system, quantifying environmental benefits
associated with willow biomass crops, and exploring both bioenergy and bioproducts markets.
Over 160 hectares of willow biomass crops have been established in western and central New York. Regional trials with between 6 and 40 different
clones have been established in 7 different states. Annual planting stock production has reached almost 1.5 million cuttings. The introduction of
the latest model of the Step planter from Sweden has increased planting efficiency by almost 400%. Harvesting equipment is scheduled to arrive
late in 2000 with trials planned for the winter of 2000/2001. The first commercial harvests are scheduled for 2001/2002.
The near term use for the harvested willow biomass crops is co-firing with coal. The new owners of the Dunkirk power plant – NRG Inc. – will
complete retrofits at the plant in early 2000. Initial tests at this plant with both residues and willow biomass are scheduled for the spring of 2000.
Initial studies on use of willow feedstocks for pulp/paper, gasification, ethanol production and manure composting operations have all been
positive. Continuing research gains in genetic tailoring of feedstock, crop yields, reductions in production costs, and improved quantification of
environmental benefits, in combination with supportive state and national policies that value the environmental and rural development benefits,
will be essential to making a commercial willow feedstock enterprise successful.
Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Cellulosics and Cellulose Composites
Peter A. Zugenmaier, Clausthal University of Technology, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Arnold-Sommerfeld-Str. 4D-38678 ClausthalZellerfeld/Germany [Phone: +49 (0)5323 72-2372 Fax: +49 (0)5323 72-2584 E-mail: Zugenmaier@pc.tu-clausthal.de]
The thermal and viscoelastic properties of cellulose/polypropylene (PP) composites as well as Xylan/PP composites were investigated by
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermoanalysis (DMTA). Morphological aspects were available by using
polarizing light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cellulose fiber surfaces act as nucleating agents for PP, resulting in the
formation of transcrystalline regions around the fibers. The DMTA spectra of the filler/PP composites revealed a significant increase in the
stiffness and a remarkable decrease in damping values. The results verify an improvement of the mechanical properties.
For uniform and mixed cellulose derivatives a relationship was established between molecular parameters (substituents, degree of substitution) and
dynamic mechanical and thermal properties (e.g. glass transition temperature) which allows to tailor cellulose derivatives for thermal and
mechanical applications in a certain range.
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Cellulose Conference- Speaker Biographies
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Speaker Biographies
Scott Canonico
Environmental Health and Safety
International Paper
J. Scott Canonico, P.E. is Environment, Health and Safety Manager at International Paper’s pulp and paper mill in Ticonderoga, New York. He
has also held with International Paper the position of environmental engineer when he led remediation and closure efforts at an industrial landfill.
Prior to embarking on his career as an environmental professional, Scott was an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He held various positions
including rifle company executive officer and advanced to the grade of Captain before leaving active service. He holds a bachelor’s degree from
the United States Military Academy and a master’s degree from the Colorado School of Mines.
Helena Chum
Chemistry for BioEnergy Systems Center
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Golden, CO
Helena Chum, is the Director of the Chemistry for BioEnergy Systems Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), (1617 Cole
Blvd. Golden Colorado 80401; (303) 275-2949). Her research areas are in the development of technologies for the conversion of biomass and a
variety of organic wastes into fuels, including hydrogen, chemicals, electricity, and high value materials. To these and other fields she contributed
more than 100 papers and 20 patents. She participated in the development of the Office of Science and Technology Policy’s National
Environmental Technology Strategy released in 1995. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the
International Academy of Wood Science. She is a member of the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel and a member of the American Council for
an Energy-Efficient Economy Board of Directors. She represents NREL in the Council for Chemical Research. She serves in the Office of
Industrial Technologies’ Industry of the Future Program as a NREL representative to the Laboratory Coordinating Council. She chaired this
Council in 1997. She is the Associate Editor of the Clean Processes and Products journal (Springer). She contributed to the development of the
"Brasilia Statement Directives and Action Plan for Solar, Wind and Biomass Renewable Energy Development in Brazil" (1995). She has her B.
Sc., Chemistry/Chemical Education and her Ph.D., in Physical Chemistry from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Send e-mail to
Helena_Chum@nrel.gov)
Christian Demeter
Founding Principal and CEO
Antares Group Incorporated
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Cellulose Conference- Speaker Biographies
Mr. Demeter has 21 years’ energy research and management experience. He currently provides policy, economic and financial analysis support to
clients in the electric power and transportation sectors and to several federal agencies and laboratories such as NREL, Sandia and Oak Ridge. His
clients also include US AID and members of the World Bank Group. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 papers and reports on the
emerging energy technologies markets (fossil, nuclear and renewable) and their potential impacts on the environment and the economy. He has
testified on air quality compliance cost issues in electric utility rate cases. He is past President of the International Association for Energy
Economics National Capital Area Chapter.
The topic of Biomass for Power, Fuels, and Chemicals has been an area of special interest to Mr. Demeter for the past decade. He has served on
many roundtable discussions, review committees and forums on the topic. He currently is investigating unique financial mechanisms such as green
power market insurance to facilitate green power marketing and is advising a consortium of land owners, universities, and power companies called
the Salix Consortium focused on cofiring coal and biomass. He also is advising project developers on biomass combustion and conversion options.
Stephen Fitzpatrick
Biofine/Biometics
Waltham, MA
Dr. Stephen W. Fitzpatrick is a chemical engineer with over twenty five years of wide-ranging experience in the petrochemical, chemical,
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. He is inventor of the Biofine technology and founder of Biofine Inc. In June 1999 Biofine was
awarded the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award by the E.P.A. Dr. Fitzpatrick is also President and Co-founder of BioMetics Inc., a
process engineering consulting and design company. Dr Fitzpatrick holds chemical engineering degrees from the University of Manchester, U.K.
and is a chartered engineer (U.K.).
Michael E. Himmel
Biochemistry Department
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
During my 20-year term at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (formerly SERI) in Golden, CO, I have worked to support many technical
aspects of the Department of Energy’s Biofuels program. More recently, I have been responsible for establishing the facilities and staff necessary
to pursue projects in protein engineering, specifically cellulases. Today, I manage the award-winning Enzyme Technology Team and the 5
academic subcontracts that support this work. We have assembled world-class protein purification and characterization facilities at NREL, with
special emphasis this past year on robotics systems for screening libraries derived from directed evolution technology. I have contributed 275
peer-reviewed papers and meeting abstracts, 4 books, and 16 patents to the literature. I have also chaired or co-chaired 15 international meetings
in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology. I was recently elected to be the vice-chair of the new Gordon Research Conference on "Cellulases
and Cellulosomes" scheduled for summer, 2001. I live in Littleton, CO with my wife, Rita. My hobbies include antique weaponry and vintage
watches.
John M. Irving
McNeil Generating Station
Burlington Electric Department
Burlington,VT
John M. Irving is the Plant Manager of the McNeil Generating Station in Burlington, Vermont. He is responsible for the operation and
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Cellulose Conference- Speaker Biographies
maintenance of a 50 mW wood, gas and oil fired generating station for the Burlington Electric Department. He is also the Project Manager for
BED for the $20 million biomass gasification project at the McNeil Station. Prior to joining Burlington Electric, Mr. Irving was employed by
C.T. Main Inc., a major architect engineering firm in Boston. He has over 26 years of experience in the design, construction, startup and
operation of generating facilities fueled with coal, wood, natural gas, oil and red liquor. Mr. Irving's most recent responsibilities at C.T. Main
included serving as Project Engineer, Mechanical Construction Engineer, and Start-up Engineer at the McNeil Station. Mr. Irving received a B.S.
in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Maine and Vermont.
Robert H. Marchessault
McGill University
Born in Montreal, Dr. Robert H. Marchessault completed doctoral research at McGill and postdoctoral studies at the University of Uppsala in
Sweden, he spent several years as a research scientist at American Viscose Corporation in Philadelphia. He then joined the College of Forestry in
Syracuse. In 1969, he returned to Montreal as Professor and Director of the Department of Chemistry of Université de Montréal. From 1978 to
1987, Dr. Marchessault was head of the Xerox Research Centre of Canada in Toronto. Under his direction, this laboratory grew to be recognized
as one of Canada’s leading industrial research centres in the field of organic materials. In 1987 Dr. Marchessault undertook a five year
appointment as Industrial Research Professor funded by Xerox-NSERC at McGill University and in 1993 he was appointed to the E.B. Eddy
Chair of Industrial Chemistry.
James P. Nakas
Faculty of Environmental and Forest Biology
SUNY- College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse, NY
James Nakas currently teaches Microbiology, Microbial Physiology and Microbial Ecology at the College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
He holds memberships with The American Academy of Microbiology, The American Society for Microbiology and The Society of Industrial
Microbiology and was the President for the Central New York Branch of The Society for Microbiology during 1991 and 1992. Nakas also serves
on the editorial boards of the Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Since 1987, he has published 26
articles.
Kerry Thompson
Arizona Chemical
Savannah Technology Center
Savannah, GA
Kerry L. Thompson is the Group Leader of Innovative Technologies in Technology for Arizona Chemical, a company of International Paper. He
received his B.S. degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Ph.D. from Purdue University, with Herbert C. Brown. He joined SCM
Organics (now Millennium Specialty Chemicals) in 1978, working on terpene chemistry for aroma and flavor compounds and related materials. He joined Reichhold Chemicals in 1984 as group leader of terpene products technology and in 1989, joined Arizona Chemical as part of their
purchase of Reichhold's Naval Stores business. Dr. Thompson was the group leader, responsible for terpene technology and waterborne tackifier
technology until 1999, when he was appointed to his current position, following International Paper's acquisition of Union Camp.
R. James Woolsey
Shea & Gardner
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Cellulose Conference- Speaker Biographies
Washington, D.C.
R. James Woolsey is, in 1999, a partner at the law firm of Shea & Gardner in Washington, D.C. He returned to the firm in January 1995 after
serving two years as Director of Central Intelligence. He has practiced there for eighteen years, on four occasions, since 1973.
Mr. Woolsey's law practice has been in the fields of civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and corporate transactions; increasingly his
practice has been international. He has served recently as counsel for major American and overseas corporations in both commercial arbitrations
and the negotiation of joint ventures and other agreements. He serves regularly as a neutral (both as an arbitrator and a mediator) in commercial
disputes between major companies.
Mr. Woolsey is presently a member of the Boards of Directors of : Sun HealthCare Group, Inc.; BC International Corporation; Fibersense
Technology Corporation, and Linsang Partners, LLC. He has served in the past as a member of the Boards of: USF&G; Yurie Systems, Inc.;
Martin Marietta; British Aerospace, Inc.; Fairchild Industries; Titan Corporation; and DynCorp.
Besides serving as Director of Central Intelligence, Mr. Woolsey has served in the U.S. government as: Ambassador to the Negotiation on
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), Vienna, 1989-1991; Under Secretary of the Navy, 1977-1979; and General Counsel to the U.S.
Senate Committee on Armed Services, 1970-73. He was also appointed by the President as Delegate at Large to the U.S.-Soviet Strategic Arms
Reduction Talks (START) and Nuclear and Space Arms Talks (NST), and served in that capacity on a part-time basis in Geneva, 1983-1986. During military service in the U.S. Army he served as an adviser on the U.S. Delegation to the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I),
Helsinki and Vienna, 1969-1970.
Mr. Woolsey has been a Director or Trustee of numerous civic organizations, including The Smithsonian Institution, where he was Chairman of
the Executive Committee of the Board of Regents, The Goldwater Scholarship Foundation, The Aerospace Corporation, and Stanford University. He has been a member of: The Commission to Assess the Ballistic Missile Threat to the U.S. (Rumsfeld Commission), 1998; The President's
Commission on Federal Ethics Law Reform, 1989; The President's Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management (Packard Commission),
1985-1986; and The President's Commission on Strategic Forces (Scowcroft Commission), 1983. He is currently a Trustee of The Center for
Strategic & International Studies and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Clean Fuels Foundation.
Mr. Woolsey was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1941. He is married to Suzanne Haley Woolsey, the Chief Operating Officer of the National
Academy of Sciences, and they have three sons: Robert, Daniel, and Benjamin. Mr. Woolsey attended Tulsa public schools, graduating from Tulsa
Central High School in 1959. He received his B.A. Degree in 1963 from Stanford University (With Great Distinction, Phi Beta Kappa), an M.A.
from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar 1963-65, and an LL.B from Yale Law School in 1968, where he was Managing Editor
of the Yale Law Journal.
Mr. Woolsey is a frequent contributor to major publications, and from time to time gives public speeches, on the subjects of foreign affairs,
defense, energy, and intelligence.
Peter A. Zugenmaier
Clausthal University of Technology
Institute of Physical Chemistry
Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Federal Republic of Germany
Born 1936 in Karlsruhe/Germany
Curriculum Vitae:
Studies at Freiburg University in Physics, Polymer Science, Physical Chemistry. Diploma in Physics, Thesis: Generation of Intensive
Molecular Beams, Prof. Dr. O. Osberghaus, Advisor
Dr. rer. nat. in Polymer Science, Thesis: Structural Investigations on Partial Crystalline Polyethylene and Ethylene-PropyleneCoploymers, Prof. Dr. H.-J. Cantow, Advisor
Habilitation in Polymer Science, Thesis: Conformation- and Packing Analysis on Oligo- and Polysaccharides, Profs. Drs. E. Husemann,
G. Wegner, Advisors
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/cellulosebio.htm[4/15/11 10:41:28 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Speaker Biographies
Professor of Physical Chemistry at Clausthal University of Technology (since 1980 and Head of the Institute 1984-1987, 1991-1993 and
1997-1999)
Positions:
Industriepraktikum at SIEMENS in Karlsruhe, 1957
Research Assistant, Institut für Makromolekulare Chemie - Hermann-Staudinger-Haus, Freiburg, 1965 - 1970
Research Associate, State University of New York, Syracuse, USA, Development of Molecular Modeling Simulations, 1970 - 1972
Visiting Scientist at State University of New York in Syracuse, cooperation with Prof. Dr. A. Sarko, Structural Investigations on
Polysaccharides, 1974, 76, 78
Research Associate, Institut für Makromolekulare Chemie - Hermann-Staudinger-Haus, Freiburg, 1972 - 1980
Fellowship for Research of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, 1987
Visiting Scientist at Xerox Research Centre of Canada in Mississauga, Ontario, 1987
Visiting Scientist at Xerox Corporation, Webster, New York, USA, (Physical Analysis Area), 1994
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/cellulosebio.htm[4/15/11 10:41:28 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Call for Presentations and Posters
Background
Preliminary
Program
Conference Sponsors
Call for Papers
Registration
Registration
Form
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Call for Presentations and Posters!!
This specialized conference provides you the opportunity to share your research results and your commercialization
experiences. Papers and poster presentations are invited in wood and cellulose science, and on experiences developing
partnerships and strategies to bring innovative technologies to commercialization.
Abstract Format - All abstracts should be submitted via e-mail to krlambry@mailbox.syr.edu in Word ’95 format with
New Times Roman text and a font size of 12.
Please be brief and informative, text body not to exceed 175 words.
•
•
•
•
The title should be boldface uppercase and centered
Author(s) listed by first name, middle initial, last name; centered with the presenter’s name boldfaced
Indicate affiliation, address and zip code and email address; italicized and centered
Justified text body, 1.5" margin
Abstract Deadline - December 31, 1999.
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/cellulosecall.htm[4/15/11 10:41:32 AM]
Cellulose Conference
Background
Preliminary
Program
Call for Papers
Registration
Registration
Form
For more info
Conference Announcement and Call for Presentations
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose:
Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels, and Advanced Materials
April 9-11, 2000
Syracuse, New York, USA
Hosted by:
State University of New York
College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Background
Evolving technologies for new and improved utilization of wood and cellulose directly impact chemical, energy
generating, forest products, pulp and paper industries, as well as other major private sector components, including
advanced materials.
Based on recent data, the forest products industry in New York alone employs 65,000 people, generates an annual
payroll of $1.6 billion and collectively ranks 6 th in employment. The nation is also endowed with a large renewable wood
and cellulose fiber resource base that is available for conversion into high-valued chemicals, fuels and products.
Purpose
The conference seeks to build new partnerships among industries, government agencies, non-government
organizations, and scientists to identify opportunities to expand the use of renewable wood and cellulose fiber to
produce economically and environmentally competitive chemicals, fuels and advanced materials. The conference will
bring together scientists and organizations pursuing innovative ideas with entities in the best position to take ideas
towards successful commercialization.
Objectives
1. Provide a forum for the development of new partnerships to expand the use of renewable wood and
cellulose resources to produce chemicals, fuels and advanced materials for the 21st Century.
2. Design pathways to create commercial success while protecting the environment.
Desired Outcomes
1. Define the present technological "State of the Art" in wood and cellulose utilization.
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseinfo.htm[4/15/11 10:41:33 AM]
Cellulose Conference
2. Generate a renewed sense of "urgency" that biomass resources must be utilized globally as a strategic
alternative to petroleum.
3. Establish the linkages required between fundamental technology and commercialization of new products
based on biomass. Showcase existing alliances and success stories.
4. Facilitate development of new alliances and networks for wood and cellulose utilization.
Preliminary Program
Sunday, April 9
2:00 pm Registration- Sheraton University Hotel
3:00-5:00 Wood and Cellulose Tutorial
Dr. William T. Winter, Director, Cellulose Research Institute, SUNYESF
The optional tutorial will discuss the basics of wood and cellulose
science.
5:00-7:00Reception
Monday, April 10
8:00 am Registration
8:30 Welcome and Conference Opening
Ross S. Whaley, President, SUNY-ESF
9:00 Plenary Session
The Future Importance of Biomass in the World Energy Balance
R. James Woolsey, Former Director of the Central Intelligence
Agency from 1993 to 1995.
10:20 Plenary Session: The Bio-Refinery
Energy, Chemicals and Value-Added Products from
CellulosicTechnology
Dr. Helena Chum, Director, Center for Renewable Chemical
Technologies and Materials at the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL).
11:00 Plenary Session
Global Business Opportunities
Noon Luncheon and Speaker
Dan W. Reicher, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy.
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseinfo.htm[4/15/11 10:41:33 AM]
Cellulose Conference
1:30 pm Plenary Session: Microbial Cellulose
Biosynthetic Pathways for Cellulose Generation
Dr. R. Malcolm Brown, School of Biological sScience, Section of
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Texas at Austin.
(invited)
2:30 Concurrent Presentations
Session 1
Wood and Cellulose—Biosynthesis, Structure and Morphology
Two 30-Minute Presentations on Promising Research Developments
in Science and
Engineering.
Arizona Chemical- Black Liquor as Raw Material for Cosmetics
Black liquor, a by-product of the papermaking process, contains
naturally occurring fats and oils that can be utilized for value-added
products. Arizona Chemical will discuss their success in this area.
Additional 30-Minute Presentation on Value-Added Products and
Technology Applications
3:30 Break
3:50 Concurrent Presentations
Session 3
Wood and Cellulose—Biosynthesis, Structure and Morphology
Two 30-Minute Presentations on Promising Research Developments
in Science and Engineering.
Session 4
Conversion—Chemicals, Fuels, and Advanced Materials
Two 30-Minute Presentations on Value-Added Products and
Technology Applications.
5:30 Poster Session and Reception
Promising Research Developments in Cellulose and BioTechnology.
Tuesday, April 11
8:45 am Plenary Session
The Marketplace and Biotechnologies, Chris Demeter, Antares
Group of Washington, DC. The Antares Group is a consulting firm
that helps industry and government introduce emerging energy
technologies into the power, transportation, industrial, and
commercial
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseinfo.htm[4/15/11 10:41:33 AM]
Cellulose Conference
sectors.
10:00 Plenary Session
Economics and Technology, Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO of Biofine.
Biofine was awarded a 1999 Presidential Green Chemistry Award.
Mr. Fitzpatrick is associated with the establishment of a Levulinic
Acid plant in Glens Falls, New York.
10:50 Break
Accelerating the Commercialization of Biomass Energy
Generation within New York State, John Vasselli, Syracuse
Research Corporation
Noon Luncheon and Speaker
Government, Business, and Developing Technologies.
1:05 pm Case Studies
Vermont Gasification Project, John Irving, McNeil Generating
Station, Burlington, VT (invited)
International Paper—Boiler Fuel Alternatives
Additional case study(ies) of venture(s) introducing wood and
cellulose to solve problems and provide opportunities in new areas.
3:00 Panel Discussion
Interactive discussion of conference topics with six to eight panelists.
Each panelist will
represent aspects of the conference focus.
4:30 pm Conference concludes
Call for Presentations and Posters!!
This specialized conference provides you the opportunity to share your research results and your commercialization
experiences. Papers and poster presentations are invited in wood and cellulose science, and on experiences developing
partnerships and strategies to bring innovative technologies to commercialization.
Abstract Format - All abstracts should be submitted via e-mail to krlambry@mailbox.syr.edu in Word ’95 format with
New Times Roman text and a font size of 12.
Please be brief and informative, text body not to exceed 175 words.
• The title should be boldface uppercase and centered
• Author(s) listed by first name, middle initial, last name; centered with the presenter’s name boldfaced
• Indicate affiliation, address and zip code and email address; italicized and centered
• Justified text body, 1.5" margin
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseinfo.htm[4/15/11 10:41:33 AM]
Cellulose Conference
Please refer to the conference web page for further information.
Abstract Deadline - December 31, 1999.
Registration / General Information
Fill out and mail the attached registration form with your registration fee, to:
ESF Continuing Education
SUNY College of Environmental
Science & Forestry
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210-2784
Fax: 315-470-6890
Register early—space is limited!
Deadline: Registration and payment must be received by March 20, 2000 to be eligible for the early registration
discount.
Fees: $95 for Tutorial, April 9
$295 for April 9-11 ($195 for nonprofits)
$175 for one day only (nonprofits: $125 )
After March 20, 2000:
$125 for Tutorial, April 9
$345 for April 9-11 ($245 for nonprofits)
$200 for one day only (nonprofits: $150)
Make checks payable to: SUNY Research Foundation.
Full registration fee includes reception on 4/9, sessions, refreshments and lunch on 4/10 & 4/11.
Student Scholarships: A limited number of student scholarships is available.
Refunds: Participants who wish to withdraw from this program must give written notice 10 days prior to conference to
receive a full refund. A $65 cancellation fee will be retained after that. No refunds will be granted if notice is received the
day of the conference or after. Substitutions are possible at any time.
Location
Sheraton University Hotel, Syracuse, NY. Directions and detailed program will be sent with your confirmation of
registration.
Accommodations
A block of rooms is available at the Sheraton University Inn, telephone: 315-475-3000. Be sure to ask for the "SUNY
ESF Wood & Cellulose" conference rate.
Other area lodging includes: Radisson Hotel Syracuse,
telephone 315-422-5121.
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseinfo.htm[4/15/11 10:41:33 AM]
Cellulose Conference
For further information, contact
Kevin Lambrych at (315) 470-6853
fax: (315) 470-6856
email: cellulose@esf.edu
Webpage: http://www.esf.edu/cellulose
Registration Form
Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development in New York State
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Syracuse, New York
April 9-11, 2000
Name
Organization Address
City State/Prov Zip
Phone ( _______ ) Fax ( _______ )
email
Special needs:
Register me for the Wood and Cellulose Conference.
Enclosed is my conference fee in (U.S. dollars), payable to: SUNY Research Foundation.
o Register me for the Wood and Cellulose Tutorial, April 9.
Prior to March 20: $95 After March 20: $125
o Register me for April 9-11.
Prior to March 20: $295 (Nonprofit rate: $195)
After March 20: $345 (Nonprofit rate: $245)
o One-day rate for __April 10 __April 11 (check day):
Prior to March 20: $175 (Nonprofit rate: $125)
After March 20: $200 (Nonprofit rate: $150)
Mail form to:
ESF Continuing Education
SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseinfo.htm[4/15/11 10:41:33 AM]
Cellulose Conference
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210-2784
FAX: 315-470-6890
email: ce@esf.edu
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2000
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseinfo.htm[4/15/11 10:41:33 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Presentation Papers
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Presentation Papers
Managing Secondary Sludge at International Paper's Ticoderoga Mill
J. Scott Canonico and Amy L. Katz, International Paper Ticonderoga Mill [PDF file]
Experimental Results on De-inking of Recycled Pulps Using Column Flotation
Somporn Chaiarrekij, H. Gupta, W. Amato and B. V. Ramarao,Department of Paper Science and Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental
Science and Forestry [PDF file]
Chemicals and Biofuels from Hardwoods, Fuel Crops and Agricultural Wastes
Janis Gravitis,United Nations University, Institute of Advanced Studies; Nikolay Vedernikov, Janis Zandersons and Arnis Kokorevics,Latvian State
Institute of Wood Chemistry; Kazuhiro Mochidzuki and Akiyoshi Sakoda, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan; Motoyuki
Suzuki, United Nations University (UNU), Headquarters, Tokyo [PDF file]
Progress in the Development of Cellulose Reinforced Nanocomposites
Maren Grunert and William T. Winter, Cellulose Research Institute and Department of Chemistry, SUNY College of Environmental Science and
Forestry [PDF file]
Cloning of the White-rot Fungus Phanerochaete Chrysoporium Manganese Peroxidase Gene (MnP2) in the Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia
Pastoris
Lina Gu, Christine Kelly and Curtis Lajoie, Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Syracuse University [PDF file]
Influence of Dehydrating Agents on Carbonization of Cellulose and Wood
Dae-Young Kim, Yoshiharu Nishiyama, Masahisa Wada, and Shigenori Kuga, Department of Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of
Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo [PDF file]
Microparticle Dispensers for the Controlled Release of Insect Pheromones
Patrick J. Hennessy, Arthur J. Stipanovic and Francis X. Webster, Department of Chemistry, SUNY College of Environmental Science and
Forestry [PDF file] Improved Cellulases for Bioethanol Production
Michael E. Himmel, William S. Adney, John O. Baker, Stephen R. Decker, Suzanne L. McCarter, John Sheehan and Todd B. Vinzant,
Biotechnology Center for Fuels and Chemicals National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO [PDF file]
Genetic Improvement of Salix as a Bioproduct/Bioenergy Feedstock
Richard F. Kopp, Lawrence B. Smart, Lawrence P. Abrahamson and Charles A. Maynard, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry [PDF file]
Kraft Pulp from Plantation-Grown Bio-mass Willow
Hannu P. Makkonen, Stephen G. Granzow, and Emmett S. Cheshire, Empire State Paper Research Institute/SUNY College of Environmental
Science and Forestry [PDF file] An Overview of The Modification of Lignin by Graft Copolymerization and The Uses of the Products
John J. Meister, Center for Forest Products Research, Inc., Albuquerque, NM [PDF file]
Accelerating the Commercialization of Biomass Energy and Dedicated Feedstock Farms in New York State
George Proakis, Fenmore Consulting Services, Boston MA [PDF file]
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/cellulosepaper.htm[4/15/11 10:41:34 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Presentation Papers
Advances in Solid State Structural Studies of Celluloses- A Brief Review
Anatole Sarko, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry [PDF file]
Mechanisms in Cellulose Biosynthesis
Inder M. Saxena and R. Malcolm Brown, Jr., Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Texas
at Austin; Thomas Dandekar, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany [PDF file]
Enhancing Mechanical Pulping with Fungal Pretreatment in the Wood Yard
Gary M. Scott, Department of Paper Science and Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry [PDF file]
Arizona Chemical: Converting Papermaking and Citrus Byproducts to Performance Chemicals and Materials
Kerry L. Thompson, Arizona Chemical, Savannah Technology Center, Savannah, GA [PDF file]
Willow Biomass Crops for Bioenergy and Bioproducts
E.H. White, L.P. Abrahamson, T.A. Volk and C.A. Nowak, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; E. Neuhauser, Niagara Mohawk
Power Corporation; E. Gray, C. Demeter and C. Lindsey, Antares; J. Peterson, New York State Research and Development Authority [PDF file] Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Thermobifida Fusca Cellulases Cel6A and Cel6B
David B. Wilson, Sheng Zhang and Diana Irwin, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University [PDF file]
Rapid Liquefaction of Lignocellulosic Waste in the Presence of Cyclic Carbonates for Preparing Levulinic Acid and Polyurethane Resins
Tatsuhiko Yamada, Wood Chemistry Division, FFPRI : Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan and Hirokuni
Ono, Graduate school of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan [PDF file]
Stimuli Responsive Fluids (SRFS): "Smart" Materials for 21st Century
Shengnin Zhang, Arthur J. Stipanovic and William T. Winter, Department of Chemistry and the Cellulose Research Institute, SUNY College of
Environmental Science and Forestry [PDF file]
Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Cellulosics and Cellulose Composites
Peter A. Zugenmaier, Clausthal University of Technology, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany [PDF file]
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/cellulosepaper.htm[4/15/11 10:41:34 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Preliminary Program
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Preliminary Program
Sunday, April 9
2:00 pm
Registration- Sheraton University Hotel
3:00-5:00
Wood and Cellulose Tutorial
William T. Winter, Director, Cellulose Research Institute, SUNY-ESF. This optional tutorial will
discuss the basics of wood and cellulose science.
5:00-7:00
Reception
Monday, April 10
7:45 am
Registration
8:30
Welcome and Conference Opening
Ross S. Whaley, President, SUNY-ESF
9:00
Plenary Session
The Future of Biomass in the World Energy Balance
R. James Woolsey, Director, United States Central Intelligence from 1993 to 1995.
10:20
Plenary Session: The Bio-Refinery
Energy, Chemicals and Value-Added Products from Cellulosic Technology
Helena Chum, Director, Chemistry for BioEnergy Systems Center at the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL).
11:00
Plenary Session
Reusable and Magnetic Paper: Pathfinders to Advanced Cellulosics
Robert H. Marchessault, E.B. Eddy Professor, Pulp and Paper Research Centre, McGill University
Noon
Luncheon and Speaker
Dan W. Reicher, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, United States
Department of Energy.
1:30 pm
Plenary Session: Progress in the Biotechnology of Biomass Mechanisms in Cellulose Biosynthesis
Inder M. Saxena, T. Dandekar, R. Malcolm Brown, Jr. Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Section,
School of Biological Science, University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Saxena's research focuses on
biosynthetic pathways of cellulose production.
Enhancing Mechanical Pulping with Fungal Pretreatment in the Wood Yard
Gary M. Scott, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Paper Science and Engineering, SUNY-ESF. Research
support provided by Empire State Paper Research Institute (ESPRI).
3:00
Break
3:15
Concurrent Presentations
Session A
Advances in Cellulose Technology
Wood and Cellulose: Recent Progress in Structure and Morphology
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseprog.htm[4/15/11 10:41:35 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Preliminary Program
Anatole Sarko, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Chemistry, SUNY-ESF.
Improved Cellulases for Bioethanol Production
Michael E. Himmel, Principal Scientist, Biotechnology Center for Fules and Chemicals, NREL. Cellulase systems combined with protein-engineering principles for improved utilization of
lignocellulosic feedstocks in ethanol production.
Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Cellulosics and Cellulose Composites
Peter A. Zugenmaier, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Clausthal University of Technology, Germany. DSC, DMTA and SEM analysis of thermal, viscoelastic and morphological properties of
cellulose/polypropylene (PP) and Xylan/PP.
Session B
Advances in Lignin Technology
Innovative Uses of Papermaking Byproducts
Kerry Thompson, Group Leader of Innovative Technologies, Arizona Chemical. Byproducts of the
papermaking process contain naturally occurring fats and oils that can be utilized for value-added
products.
An Overview of the Modification of Lignin by Graft Copolymerization and the Uses of These
Products
John J. Meister, Center for Forest Products Research, Inc. Development of graft copolymerization
chemistry to modify lignin into the process polymers, plastics and tire rubber filler needed by
industry and consumers. Laccase Enhancements in Lignocellulosic Biotechnologies
James P. Nakas, Faculty of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF. Production,
characterization, purification and covalent chemical modification of hybrid laccase-xylanase enzyme
constructs. These compounds have improved commercial attributes for the removal of toxic
phenols from effluents, for selective benzylic or allylic oxidations and for the bio-bleaching of pulps.
5:30
Poster Session and Reception
Promising Research Developments in Wood and Cellulose Technology.
Tuesday, April 11
8:45
Opening Remarks
9:00 am
Plenary Session
The Market Place and BioTechnologies
Chris Demeter, Antares Group of Washington, DC. The Antares Group is a consulting firm that
helps industry and government introduce emerging energy technologies into the power,
transportation, industrial, and commercial sectors.
10:00
Plenary Session
Economics and Technology
Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO of Biofine. Biofine was awarded a 1999 Presidential Green Chemistry
Award. Mr. Fitzpatrick is associated with the establishment of a levulinic acid plant in Glens Falls,
New York.
10:50
Break
11:05
Plenary Session
Accelerating the Commercialization of Biomass Energy Generation within New York State
George Proakis, Consultant, Syracuse Research Corporation and New York State Technology
Enterprise Corporation. Developing a strategy to establish biomass crops as a cost-effective energy
fuel source within New York State.
Noon
Luncheon and Speaker
Congressman James T. Walsh, [invited]New York 25th Legislative District.
1:05 pm
Case Studies
Vermont Gasification Project
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseprog.htm[4/15/11 10:41:35 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Preliminary Program
John Irving, Plant Manager, McNeil Generating Station, Burlington, VT. Wood to electricity via
gasification.
Secondary Sludge, An Alternative to Fossil Fuel
Scott Canonico, Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Office, Ticonderoga Mill, International
Paper. Mill sludge drying techniques. Dried mill sludge as a boiler fuel displaces fuel oil with the
added benefit of reduced landfill usage.
Willow Biomass Crops for Bioenergy and Bioproducts
E.H. White, SUNY-ESF; E. Neuhauser, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation; E. Gray, Antares Group,
Inc. Efforts by SUNY-ESF and other Salix Consortium partners, to develop and expand research
for quantifying environmental benefits associated with willow biomass crops, optimizing production
systems and exploring both bioenergy and bioproducts markets.
3:00
Panel Discussion
Interactive discussion of conference topics with six to eight panelists. Each panelist will represent
aspects of the conference focus.
4:30 pm
Conference concludes
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/celluloseprog.htm[4/15/11 10:41:35 AM]
Cellulose Conference-Registration Information
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Registration / General Information
Fill out and mail the registration form with your registration fee, to:
ESF Continuing Education
SUNY College of Environmental
Science & Forestry
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210-2784
Fax: 315-470-6890
Register now—space is limited!
Deadline: Registration and payment must be received by March 30, 2000 to be eligible for the early registration
discount.
Fees:
$95 for Tutorial, April 9
$295 for April 9-11 ($195 for nonprofits)
$175 for one day only (nonprofits: $125 )
After March 30, 2000:
$125 for Tutorial, April 9
$345 for April 9-11 ($245 for nonprofits)
$200 for one day only (nonprofits: $150)
Make checks payable to: SUNY Research Foundation.
Full registration fee includes reception on 4/9, sessions, refreshments and lunch on 4/10 & 4/11.
Student Scholarships: A limited number of student scholarships are available.
Refunds: Participants who wish to withdraw from this program must give written notice 10 days prior to conference to
receive a full refund. A $65 cancellation fee will be retained after that. No refunds will be granted if notice is received the
day of the conference or after. Substitutions are possible at any time.
Location
Sheraton University Hotel, Syracuse, NY. Directions will be sent with your confirmation of registration.
Accommodations
A block of rooms is available at the Sheraton University Inn, telephone: 315-475-3000. Be sure to ask for the "SUNY
ESF Wood & Cellulose" conference rate.
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/cellulosereg.htm[4/15/11 10:41:37 AM]
Cellulose Conference-Registration Information
Other area lodging includes: Radisson Hotel Syracuse, telephone 315-422-5121.
file:///Volumes/Web/WWW/outreach/pd/2000/cellulosereg.htm[4/15/11 10:41:37 AM]
Cellulose Conference- Registration Form
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Registration Form
Name
Organization
Address
City
Phone
email
Special Needs:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________State/Prov_____________Zip_________
( ___ )__________ Fax( ___ )________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Register me for the Wood and Cellulose Conference.
Enclosed is my conference fee in U.S. dollars, payable to: SUNY Research Foundation.
o Register me for the Wood and Cellulose Tutorial, April 9.
Prior to March 30: $95
After March 30: $125
o Register me for April 9-11.
Prior to March 30: $295 (Nonprofit rate: $195)
After March 30: $345 (Nonprofit rate: $245)
o One-day rate for __April 10 __April 11 (check day):
Prior to March 30: $175 (Nonprofit rate: $125)
After March 30: $200 (Nonprofit rate: $150)
Credit Card Payment: o Visa o Mastercard
Account #:_________________________ Exp. date_________
Signature:__________________________________________
Mail form to:
ESF Continuing Education
SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210-2784
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Cellulose Conference- Registration Form
FAX: 315-470-6890
email: ce@esf.edu
Registration Deadline: March 30, 2000
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Cellulose Conference- Conference Sponsors
Background
Conference Sponsors
Poster & Presentation
Abstracts
Preliminary Program
Papers
Registration
2nd Annual Partnerships for Environmental Improvement and
Economic Development Conference
Wood and Cellulose: Building Blocks for Chemicals, Fuels and Advanced Materials
Conference Sponsors
State University of New York
College of Environmental Science and Forestry
New York Center for Forest Research and Development (NYCFRD)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Joachim Center for Forest Industry, Economy and Environment
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation
International Paper
Empire State Paper Research Institute
Short-Rotation Woody Crops Program, SUNY-ESF
Cellulose, Paper and Textiles Division, American Chemical Society
Cellulose Research Institute, SUNY-ESF
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