Sustainable Biomaterials
Head: R. L. Smith
Professors: B.H. Bond, U.K. Buehlmann, R.J. Bush, K.J. Edgar, C.E. Frazier, A.L. Hammett, D.E. Kline, J.R. Loferski, R.L. Smith, P.M. Winistorfer, and A. Zink-Sharp
Associate Professors: D.P. Hindman, H.J. Quesada-Pineda, and M. Roman
Assistant Professors: L. Horvath and Y. Kim
Adjunct Senior Research Scientist: P. A. Araman
Professor Emeritus: W.G. Glasser, M.S. White, and R.L. Youngs
Web: www.sbio.vt.edu
Packaging Systems and Design
Learn how sustainable packaging is used to eliminate waste and pollution in the environment, how packaging design enhances products, and how smart materials are used in food and drug packaging to enhance safety and quality.
Sustainable Biomaterials
Apply the STEM disciplines to natural renewable materials to help us develop our sustainable future. Learn how biomaterials can be made and utilized in ways to produce better performing materials with less environmental impact. Study options include sustainable residential structures, creating sustainable society, biomaterials science, and forest products business.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Wood Science and Forest Products Minor and Packaging Science Minor
Minors are offered for students interested in obtaining knowledge and skills in the wood science field to supplement their primary major field of study.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (SBIO)
1234: INTRODUCTION TO WOOD, DESIGN AND CRAFTMANSHIP
Wood as a material. Introduction to laboratory techniques,
wood processing, machining and woodworking, moisture
interactions, species characteristics, microscopic
techniques, measuring material properties, characteristics
of forest products industry, career opportunities.
(2H,3L,3C)
1984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2004: COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN IN PACKAGING
Principles of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in the
packaging industry. Basics of virtual primary package
development, computer-aided design of the secondary
package, computer-aided optimization of truck loading and
palletization. Development of a comprehensive packaging
system in a virtual environment.
(3H,3C)
2104: PRINCIPLES OF PACKAGING
Packaging systems, materials, and forms and their
relationship with the requirements of global societies
for the distribution and storage of industrial
and consumer products; packaging laws and
regulations.
(3H,3C)
2114: PACKAGING LAW AND REGULATION
Study of the legal and regulatory issues affecting primary,
secondary , and tertiary packaging and packaging systems.
Labeling, food and drug, intellectual property, shipping,
structural, and environmental laws and regulations affecting
packaging design and use.
Pre: 2104.
(3H,3C)
2124: STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS
Macroscopic and microscopic structure and chemical
composition of wood and other biomaterials such as
grasses, bamboo, and bagasse. Relationships between
anatomical structure and physical/mechanical behavior.
Microscopic identification of commercially important
biomaterials. Preparation and analysis of microscope
slides and scanning electron micrographs.
Pre: BIOL 1005, CHEM 1035.
(2H,3L,3C)
2384: BEHAVIOR OF SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS
Physical properties of sustainable biomaterials and
composite based on structure. Polymer science topics
related to sustainable biomaterial composition.
Influence of structure on transport properties, response
to heat, moisture, electricity, and light. Measurement
techniques and reporting for steady-state transport.
Pre: CHEM 1035, PHYS 2205.
(2H,3L,3C)
2614: INTRO FOREST PROD MARKETING
Study of marketing systems and methods used by North
American primary and secondary forest product industries.
Emphasis on wood product industries. Marketing of hardwood
lumber, softwood lumber, panels, composites, furniture, and
paper products. Role of North American industries and
markets in world trade of forest products.
(3H,3C)
2784 (FREC 2784): GLOBAL FOREST SUSTAINABILITY
A socio-economic approach to examining the
management and use of the worldâs forests, enhance
knowledge of global forest resources and products,
and understand the roles and relationships of key
stakeholders.
(3H,3C)
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
3004: SUSTAINABLE NATURE-BASED ENTERPRISES
Planning for green and sustainability values for profit and
non-profit enterprises that produce and market nature-based
products and services (e.g., wood products, wildlife, fish,
ecotourism). Understanding current green business
environments to foster natural resource-based enterprises.
(3H,3C)
3005,3006: SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING DESIGN AND INNOVATION
3005: Principles of sustainability, laboratory packaging
evaluation including testing procedures, simulation of
physical hazards. Professional communications including
laboratory reports and oral presentations. Development
of comprehensive packaging evaluation plans. Evaluation
of existing packaging systems and improving them from the
sustainability perspective. 3006: Application of project
management to the packing development process. Apply
lean management principles to packing design process.
Design of sustainable packaging solutions through industry
sponsored projects.
(2H,3L,3C)
3114: BIODETERIORATION, BIOCONVERSION AND BIOENERGY
Conversion of sustainable biomaterials as part of natural
biological, and non-biological, processes and the use of
these processes in bioenergy production and carbon
cycling. Biological mechanisms and adapted processes
for biomaterials conversions including fungal/bacterial/
insect and marine decomposition relative to carbon and
nutrient cycling and the production of feedstocks for
bioenergy and biomaterials. Deterioration and protection
of biomaterials as well as bioconversion for fuels and
feedstocks. Protection/preservation of biomaterials
including wood, bamboo, rattan, leather, and historic
objects is also included.
Pre: CHEM 1035, BIOL 1115.
(3H,3C)
3124: PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PACKAGING
Paper and paperboard properties and types. Types
and performance of flexible paper packaging, sacks, and
wraps. Folding carton design, properties of corrugated
fiberboard. Corrugated fiberboard container design and
performance. Packaging regulations and hazards of the
distribution environment. Printing, labeling and automatic
identification methods.
Pre: 2104, 2004.
(2H,3L,3C)
3224: PACKAGING AND MATERIALS HANDLING
Unit load and parcel supply chains. Principles of operation
and design of warehouse distribution and fulfillment
centers. Principles of operation and design of
shipping and distribution systems. The relation
between packaging design, pallet design, and unit
load design and the operation of industrial consumer
goods supply chain.
Pre: 2104.
(3H,3C)
3234: WOOD IDENTIFICATION PROPERTIES LABORATORY
Physical properties and characteristics of wood. Methods
for determining its physical properties. Variation of the
properties. Structure, properties, & processing of tropical
woods.
(3L,1C)
3284: PACKAGING POLYMERS AND PRODUCTION
Introduction to synthetic, natural and sustainable polymer
science and engineering as applied to packaging systems.
Morphology, rheology, physical and thermal properties,
processing methods, and polymerization of traditional,
natural and sustainable packaging polymers. Detailed
study of relationships among materials, processing, and
structural properties through hands-on experience. Both
traditional and advanced industrial mass production
technology, and global regulation and environmental impact
of packaging articles.
Pre: 2104.
(2H,2L,3C)
3314: WOOD MECHANICS
Mechanical properties of wood including concepts of stress,
strain, Poissonâs ratio, orthotropic properties, tension,
compression, bending and effects of moisture on mechanical
properties. Current issues of wood mechanics in the wood
product industry. Standard methods of evaluating important
mechanical properties or solid wood, composites and fiber.
Pre: 2554, (MATH 1016 or MATH 1025).
(3H,3L,4C)
3324: GREEN BUILDING SYSTEMS
Definition of green buildings with specific focus on wood
frame single family housing and appropriate green building
systems. Site specification, resource efficiency, water
efficiency, indoor environmental quality, homeowner
education and global impact. Certification in various
green building systems.
(3H,3C)
3334: SURVEY OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS
In depth study of non-timber forest products of NTFP
throughout Appalachia with overseas example - their
heritage, uses and markets, economic development
opportunities, and sustainable management. Emphasis will
be placed on utilization and management issues. Students
will gain skills necessary to assess and plan for NTFP
business opportunities.
(3H,3C)
3434: CHEMISTRY AND CONVERSION OF SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS
Chemical composition of plant matter. Chemistry and
biosynthesis of plant components. Cellulosic biofuel
technology. Industrial conversion of woody biomass:
pulping, bleaching, papermaking. Industrial conversion of
cellulose by chemical processes.
Pre: CHEM 1036.
(3H,3C)
3444: SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS & BIOENERGY
Introduction to the structure and properties of natural
composites, biobased polymers, and naturally-derived
chemicals for materials and energy applications.
Chemistry of biomass deconstruction. Industrial
applications of biobased polymers, monomers, and chemicals.
Pre: (CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535), (CHEM 3615 or CHEM 4615).
(3H,3C)
3445-3446: ENTREPRENEURIAL WOOD DESIGN AND INNOVATION
Concept to market business project applied to design and
innovation of wood products. Product design based on
consumer need and sustainable use of natural resources.
Writing a business plan including, product innovation,
resource sustainability, marketing, strategic planning,
production planning, technology utilized, packaging and
distribution to final market.
(2H,3L,3C)
3454: SOCIETY, SUSTAINABILITY BIOMATERIALS AND ENERGY
Sustainability, raw materials and energy needs of society.
Use of sustainable biomaterials to meet societyâs needs and
reduce impact on the environment. Methods to evaluate and
certify the sustainability of materials and consumer goods.
Carbon sequestration and the use biomass for energy.
(3H,3C)
3464: FOREST PRODUCTS BUSINESS SYSTEMS
Business processes of forest/wood product organizations.
Business challenges and current business processes and
management practices. Organizational methods to study
business processes and then plan, execute, and evaluate
business performance improvements. The application of
techniques to strategic planning, strategy deployment, value
stream management, and performance assessment. Business
case studies of wood products and forest products related
organizations.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing required
Pre: 2614.
(2H,3L,3C)
3534: LUMBER MANUFACTURING AND DRYING
The processing of logs into dry lumber. Principles of log
and lumber grading. Design and operation of log sawing and
lumber drying systems. Techniques for measuring lumber
manufacturing and lumber drying efficiency. The
relationship between log quality, sawing, and drying and the
quality of the product produced.
Pre: 3114.
(2H,3L,3C)
3544: SECONDARY WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING
Secondary wood products manufacturing, including raw
materials, rough mill, finish mill, assembly, and finishing.
Also covers machinery, wood machining, plant layout,
production methods, modern industrial engineering concepts
in secondary manufacturing, and wood treating. Visits to
local secondary wood products manufacturing industry.
Pre: 3114, 3534.
(2H,3L,3C)
3554: SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS ENTERPRISES
Processes and techniques in manufacturing sustainable
biomaterial-based products. Contemporary manufacturing,
industrial engineering, and business practices in
enterprises. Problem solving, operations management, and
effective leadership in discrete products manufacturing and
sustainable biomaterials production practices.
Pre: 1234.
(3H,3C)
3634: WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING
The study of manufacturing processes used in the primary and
secondary wood products industry including; lumber;
wood moisture relations, drying, durability and the
processing of lumber into secondary wood products such as
flooring, furniture, and cabinets. Description, selection,
and use of the manufacturing equipment used in wood
processing. The selection and use of current industrial
engineering and business practices applied in wood products
manufacturing. How managers solve production and raw
material issues.
Pre: 2124.
(2H,3L,3C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
3964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4004: SENIOR SEMINAR IN FOREST PRODUCTS BUSINESS
Integrated application of principles of management,
manufacturing, and marketing as applied to wood-based and
related industries. Case analysis, business planning and
strategic decision making. Senior standing required.
Pre: 3634.
(2H,2C)
4024: PACKAGING DESIGN FOR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION
Understanding, identification, and measurement of hazards in
physical distribution including sea, air, and various land
transportation, storage methods, and use of sanitation
methods. Knowledge, analysis, and selection of sustainable
protective packaging materials. Design and analysis
of packaging protection against such hazards as shock,
vibration compression, and climate. Laboratory
testing of shock, vibration and compression, and
performance testing of packaging and components.
Packaging design in global context.
Pre: 3224.
(2H,3L,3C)
4054: PACKAGING SYSTEMS DESIGN PRACTICUM
Integrated application of principles of packaging design and
manufacturing. Design briefs, package development process,
structural requirements, manufacturing and distribution
plans, target markets and positioning.
Senior Standing required. Permission of
Instructor.
(2H,3L,3C)
4154: COMPUTER APPLICATION SYSTEMS IN FOREST PRODUCTS
Computer control systems with applications in the forest
products industry. Survey of systems for gathering,
inputting, conditioning, and managing information. Hardware
and software systems for computer control applications. Use
of information technologies to integrate control subject to
raw material, quality, and market fluctuations. Forest
products case studies in data acquisition, data analysis,
database management production planning, process control,
inventory control, and systems specification. Junior
standing is required.
(2H,3L,3C)
4214: FOOD AND HEALTH CARE PACKAGING
Designed for both current and advanced food and health care
packaging. Covering the types of materials and their
properties, fabrication, functions, distribution and
packaging life cycle for food and health care packaging
systems and design. Reviewing recent trends in food and
health care packaging systems; sustainable food packaging,
medical device packaging, aseptic packaging, package/product
interactions, smart active packaging, handling of packages,
and modified atmospheric packaging. Exploration to global
food and health care packaging standards and compliance,
safety issues, and environmental considerations.
Pre: 3124, 3284.
(2H,2L,3C)
4224: WOOD PALLET, CONTAINER, AND UNIT LOAD DESIGN
Wood pallet design and performance. The design of wood
containers and crates. Design and performance of unit
loads. Design and performance of unit load equipment, i.e.,
conveyors, racking systems, automatic guided vehicles,
fork trucks. Principles of unit load design. Mechanical
interactions between pallets, packaging, and unit load
handling equipment. Unit load stabilization techniques,
i.e., strapping, stretch wrapping. International
phytosanitation regulations of solid wood packaging;
principles of dunnage, blocking and bracing.
Pre: 4024, 3224.
(2H,3L,3C)
4314 (CEM 4314) (CNST 4314): DESIGN OF WOOD STRUCTURES
Analysis and design of wood structures comprised of solid
wood and/or composite wood products. Evaluation of
mechanical properties of wood materials. Design of
individual tension, compression and bending members,
and wood-steel dowel connections. Lateral loading
design of diaphragms and shearwalls.
Pre: 3314 or CEE 3404.
(3H,3C)
4384: BIOREFINERY SCIENCE
Biomass utilization as an industrial resource. Biorefinery
processes such as cultivation, harvesting, separation, and
biomass processing into industrial products compared to the
petroleum refinery. Routes to the production of bioenergy,
biochemicals, and biofuels. Resource availability and energy
consumption, environmental implications of a biorefinery
system, public policy influence on development of
biorefineries.
Pre: 3434.
(3H,3C)
4424 (CHEM 4424): POLYSACCHARIDE CHEMISTRY
Structure, properties, and applications of natural
polysaccharides. Natural sources and methods of
isolation. Synthetic chemistry and important polysaccharide
derivatives. Relation of structure and properties to
performance in critical applications including
pharmaceuticals, coatings, plastics, rheology
control, and films. Conversion by chemical and biochemical
methods of polysaccharide biomass to fuels and materials.
Pre: CHEM 2536 or CHEM 2566.
(3H,3C)
4444: SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIAL COMPOSITES
Introductory polymer, adhesion, and materials science of
composites made from plant materials including wood, bamboo,
and straw. Composite manufacture and performance.
Contemporary wood adhesives and binders.
Pre: 2124, 2384, 3434.
(3H,3L,4C)
4514: WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY STUDIES
Field studies of the processing systems and product
manufacturing procedures of various wood products
industries.
Pre: 3114.
(3L,1C)
4624: WOOD INDUSTRY PRODUCTION OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Study of the operation of wood products organizations.
Problems facing these organizations and current management
practices used to address these problems. Investigation of
the design and implementation of wood industry management
improvement efforts. How organizations and groups design,
implement, and evaluate improvements efforts. The
application of techniques to production planning, financial
management, inventory management, quality, human resources
management, technology, performance measures, and
assessment. Includes case studies of wood products
manufacturing companies.
Pre: 3544.
(2H,3L,3C)
4634: FOREST PRODUCTS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
This course will describe the allocation of resources within
a forest products business. Students will determine how to
allocate natural, human and financial resources to maximize
profitability within the organization. How allocation
decisions affect all stakeholders of the organization will
be demonstrated and this allocationâs impact upon strategic
planning will be discussed. The course will also show the
impact of the external business environment on management
decisions.
Pre: 1234, 2614, 3114.
(3H,3C)
4714: WOOD PERFORMANCE IN CONSTRUCTION
Interactions of building code requirements, wood materials
and building construction with special emphasis on relative
merit of wood and wood-based composites versus non-wood
alternatives. Construction details that lead to long-term
performance such as controlling moisture infiltration,
preservatives, and proper selection of materials,
preservation of historic wood buildings, effectiveness and
efficiency of wood building systems.
Pre: 4315.
(3H,3C)
4715,4716: WOOD HOUSE
4715: Principles of manufacturing sustainable biomaterials
into primary and secondary products used in construction
of wood buildings, houses and in manufacture of wood
consumer goods used in housing. Raw material estimation,
lumber production, veneering, composite and paper products.
4716: The use of manufactured wood materials in the
construction of wood buildings. Interactions of building
code requirements, wood and wood composite materials as
sustainable biomaterial components within houses.
Durability, deterioration, controlling moisture
infiltration, preservatives and proper selection of
materials, historic wood buildings, effectiveness and
efficiency of wood building systems.
Pre: 3314.
(3H,3C)
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.