Showing 24 results for Author: Cait M. Clarkson
Aug, 2026
Journal
Bio-based composites containing natural fiber reinforcements have been integral to developing innovative, low-cost, and low-energy technologies for transportation applications in marine, automotive, and other industries. The low density of natural fibers gives these materials a high specific stiffness and strength, which can lead to significant weight savings in composites…
Jul, 2026
ORNL Report
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) worked with Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. to develop a highly biodegradable ~100% biobased feedstock for large format additive manufacturing (AM). Together, they developed a AM feedstock based on the biobased polyester, polybutylene succinate (PBS), that is typically used in agriculture and packaging projects. The motivation for thi…
Jul, 2026
Journal
Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have significant potential in composites as additives to improve mechanical properties, melt rheology, and more. However, agglomeration of CNFs is a key challenge in composite melt processing as obtaining nano-level dispersion of CNFs often requires cost- and energy-intensive processes (e.g., solvent exchange or freeze drying) due to the strong…
Jun, 2026
Journal
3D-printed catalysts with open-celled structures can significantly reduce mass and heat transfer resistance compared with traditional pellet counterparts. However, current 3D printing techniques typically achieve only about 70 wt% zeolite loading. While higher loading is desirable to improve catalyst performance, it also increases slurry viscosity, leading to printing chal…
Jun, 2026
Journal
Cellulosic fibers can impart many unique benefits into composite applications, such as reduced weight or structural reinforcement, however, these materials also increase hygro-scopicity and decrease thermal stability – restricting broader application. The present work adapted an experimental process for functionalizing the cellulose surface using cit-ric acid (CA). Functio…
Mar, 2026
Journal
Modern automotive applications demand lightweight, multifunctional materials to reach mileage goals and natural fiber reinforced composites (NFRCs) are one of the classes of materials proposed as a solution. NFRCs exhibit good vibration damping properties and have low density, but are often limited by processing challenges, poor-fiber matrix compatibility and variable perf…
Feb, 2026
ORNL Report
Jan, 2026
Journal
Thermal insulation can significantly decrease the energy required to maintain internal temperatures within buildings, saving money and decreasing environmental impacts. Many industrially available insulation options utilize petroleum-derived materials, such as polyurethane, fiberglass, and polystyrene, which can be detrimental to the environment by emitting greenhouse gase…
Dec, 2025
Journal
Compatibility between the reinforcing phase and the polymer matrix is critical to achieving the desired mechanical and thermal performance of composite materials. Several mechanisms can enhance this interfacial interaction, including surface treatments (e.g., oxidation, plasma, or irradiation), in-situ nanoparticle deposition, and fiber sizing. In this study, cellulose nan…
Dec, 2025
Journal
Transporting and assembling large, complex structures poses significant challenges due to their size, geometry, and cost. Additionally, the installation sites are often inaccessible or hazardous for humans, necessitating self-assembling capabilities in these structures. To mitigate these challenges, we propose using 3D printing materials with shape memory effect (SME) for…