The growing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste from disposable tableware highlight the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Traditional plastics decompose over centuries, generating microplastics that threaten ecosystems and human…
Advances in PFAS-free water and oil resistance for food packaging
Mild delignification for enhanced jute fibers for high-performance biocomposites
This study demonstrates a pathway to significantly enhance jute fiber properties. Biocomposites were prepared that had a modulus comparable to, or even higher than, common commercial glass fiber composites. Ren,…
CRC faculty participate in NSF Engine
CRC faculty promoted to Associate Professor
We are happy to celebrate CRC faculty, Mi Li, on his promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure. Dr. Li is a valuable member of the CRC team working on chemical…
UT, ORNL recruit world-leading materials scientist to accelerate U.S. bioeconomy, strengthen Tennessee’s advanced manufacturing leadership
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have recruited a world-leading materials scientist to accelerate Tennessee’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and the U.S. bioeconomy. Orlando Rojas, a…
New Postdoctoral Researcher joins CRC team
New Post-doctoral Researcher Dr. Jisoo Jeon The CRC welcomes new Post-doctoral Researcher Dr. Jisoo Jeon on board! Dr. Jeon received his PhD from Inha University, Korea. He was a Postdoctoral…
Student awards at the 2026 EUReCA event
Lots of Spring activity in the Harper-Keffer group
Students working with Profs David Harper and David Keffer have been very busy in March and April. See the latest news with links for details below: Two Harper-Keffer students won…
PhD student at CRC honored with Trailblazer Award
Amy Kurr has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Trailblazer Award, which is the highest doctoral student honor conferred by the University of Tennessee. Kurr is pursuing…
