Grant: Canada Research Chairs

The primary objective of my research program is to convert naturally abundant biomass into functional biomaterials through a cost effective and energy efficient means, ultimately creating alternative sources of materials to unsustainable petroleum-based ones. Currently, the field of biomaterials has progressed slowly, owing largely to 1) high costs and demanding energy requirement, 2) inferior performance compared to petroleum-based counterparts, and 3) limited functionalities and narrowed applications. My research program will strive to address these plaguing issues by developing high-performance bio-based functional materials. All together, it will benefit Canadian forest industry in diversifying products portfolio, promoting sustainability, and reducing environmental impacts.