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A new study published in Nature Reviews Methods Primers, titled "Biocarbon Materials" discusses the potential of biocarbon materials, derived from renewable sources, in environmental sustainability and energy solutions. This review article explores their applications in various sectors and the benefits they offer, such as reducing waste and carbon footprint.Mohanty, A. K., Vivekanandhan, S., Das, O., M, R. M. L., Klinghoffer, N. B., Nzihou, A., & Misra, M. (2024)."Biocarbon materials." Nat Rev Methods Primers 4, 19 (2024). To Read the Article: Click Here    ...

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Dr. Manjusri Misra's study, "Hop natural fiber-reinforced poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) biodegradable plastics: effect of fiber length on the performance of biocomposites" has been featured in a special collection for International Women’s Day 2024, to celebrate the contributions of women to materials science.The Research Paper was published in Material Advances 2023, 4 ,1502-1514. """...

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POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITIONS AVAILABLE Current Availability: 6 PositionsLocation: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaExpected Start Date: May 1, 2024 / Till Positions AvailableDegree Requirements: PhD degree in the field of Engineering and Science (polymer engineering, chemistry, materials) or a related disciplineSpecific Requirements: 1) Must have extensive experience in polymer processing through melt extrusion and the characterization of their properties; 2) Knowledge and a strong publication record in polymer science and engineering, polymer chemistry and synthesis, and melt-processed bioplastics and composites is required; and 3) Knowledge in biobased materials such as biopolymers, polymer blends, natural fibres, and biocomposites are required. Contract Duration: One year, with possible extension for an additional yearSalary: CAD $45,000 - $47,000 per annum, plus benefitsPostdoctoral OpportunitiesMulti-Layer Polymer Films & Packaging via Melt Processing with Property Analysis for Biopolymer Blends, and Biocomposites (Cast, Blown, and Melt Extrusion).  Positions Available: 2(Email Heading: Films & Packaging)The focus for this position is to create formulations of biopolymer blends, biocomposites, hybrid composites, and nanobiocomposites for multi-layer films and packaging via MELT processing (Cast, Blown, and Melt Extrusion) for high barrier properties. The selected candidates will work on formulating materials via melt processing and reactive extrusion techniques for multi-layer films and packaging, where they will study the processing, barrier properties, and structure-property relationship. Candidate must have experience with the cast and blown film processing and their characterization.Polymer Blends and Composites (Biobased Materials, Biobased Composites, Reactive Extrusion, Injection Moulding and Compression Moulding) Positions Available: 2(Email Heading: Blends & Composites)The focus for this position is to develop formulations of biopolymer blends, biocomposites, hybrid composites, and nanobiocomposites. The selected candidate will work on melt processing and reactive extrusion techniques, where they will study the processing, structure and property relationship. The formulated materials will be studied for their processing, structure and property relationships.Pyrolysis of Various Biomass and their Characterization for Hybrid Biocomposite ApplicationsPositions Available: 2 (Email Heading: Biocarbon Composites)The focus for this position is to fabricate biocarbon from various biomass sources through a pyrolysis process. After the fabrication, characterization, and analysis of the fabricated biocarbon, it will be used to create various polymer-based biocomposite formulations. Biocomposite formulations will be fabricated through melt processing including extrusion techniques, injection moulding and/or compression moulding. The formulated materials will be studied for their processing, structure and property relationships. Candidates should have hands-on experience with pyrolysis equipment.How to ApplyApplication to the BDDC Selection CommitteePlease send your application package to bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca. Your application package must contain the below mentioned documents and labelled accordingly:COVER LETTER(File Name: Last Name_Cover Letter_Date)Outline qualifications for the specific position applied (i.e. Postdoc)Indicate the earliest date of availability, if selected TWO-PAGE SUMMARY(File  Name: Last Name_Summary_Date)Outline your interest and motivation to work in the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC). Include how your educational and work background will help you to succeed on the topics researched at BDDC (information can be found on the website https://bioproductscentre.com/ ). How do you plan to learn about the aspects of the BDDC research you don't know. CV (CURRICULUM VITAE) [Organized Reverse Chronologically – Most Recent to Oldest] (File Name: Last Name_CV_Date):Education & Work Experience - Include high school information (Include: start and end date - MONTH and YEAR)Thesis title of your degree(s) (if applicable)Name of adviser for your degree(s) (if applicable)Percent average or GPA (if including GPA please provide what it is out of i.e. 4.36/5.0)Summary of time off taken between degrees starting from high schoolList of courses during your education most relevant to this position and grades obtained for each courseEnglish Language Proficiency results and sub-category breakdown (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) Include date or expected date of Exam (Exams must have been taken within the last 2 years)List of your publications organized by degree If you are NOT the First Author indicate your contributions If you have any submitted manuscripts, please include your email confirmation from the journal) List of your conference presentationsContact information for three references YOUR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION(S) (File Name: Last Name_Publication#_Date) *Please provide each publication as a separate file in PDF formatPublication Number(s) should correspond with the list number in your CVEmail Subject Line: Postdoctoral Fellow Position at BDDC + Indicate position above (1, 2, 3)**Separate applications are required if applying to multiple positions**The research component of the Postdoctoral Fellow position will be conducted within the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), University of Guelph. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists from different areas (materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer chemistry, packaging and plant agriculture) and will have the chance to work collaboratively with industrial partners.At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to the further diversification of our Institution.If you have any questions, please contact bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca.Supervised by:Professor Amar Mohantyhttps://www.bioproductscentre.com/director Professor Manjusri Misrawww.uoguelph.ca/engineering/people/manjusri-misra-phd We thank all applicants who apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted......

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Funded Graduate Opportunities - M.Sc. in Plant Agriculture*This graduate opportunity is for graduate students pursuing a degree in Plant Agriculture for the following research areas:Bioplastics and Biobased PolymersBiocomposites (Natural Fibre Composites) and Polymer BlendsGreen Composites including Recyclability, Durability and Biodegradability StudiesBiobased Nanocomposites and Nanoblends3D Printing of Bioplastics and BiocompositesBiomass and Biomaterials SustainabilityBiomedical Applications for Bioplastics and BiocompositesValue-added Biobased Materials from the Coproducts/Byproducts of Biofuel IndustriesBiodegradability (Compostability)For entry in the M.Sc. program, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in ScienceIf your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please see the chart for acceptable tests and required scores on the graduate studies website. Please copy and paste the weblink found below:Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the positions are filled.How to ApplyApplication to the BDDC Selection CommitteePlease send your application package to bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca. Your application package must contain the below mentioned documents and labelled accordingly:COVER LETTER(File Name: Last Name_Cover Letter_Date):Outline qualifications for the specific position applied (i.e. M.Sc. Student)Indicate the earliest date of availability, if selected TWO-PAGE SUMMARY(File  Name: Last Name_Summary_Date):Outline your interest and motivation to work in the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC). Include how your educational and work background will help you to succeed on the topics researched at BDDC (information can be found on the website https://bioproductscentre.com/ ). How do you plan to learn about the aspects of the BDDC research you don't know. CV (CURRICULUM VITAE) [Organized Reverse Chronologically – Most Recent to Oldest] (File Name: Last Name_CV_Date): Education & Work Experience - Include high school information (Include: start and end date - MONTH and YEAR)Thesis title of your degree(s) (if applicable)Name of adviser for your degree(s) (if applicable)Percent average or GPA (if including GPA please provide what it is out of i.e. 4.36/5.0)Summary of time off taken between degrees starting from high schoolList of courses during your education most relevant to this position and grades obtained for each courseEnglish Language Proficiency results and sub-category breakdown (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) Include date or expected date of Exam (Exams must have been taken within the last 2 years)List of your publications organized by degree  If you are NOT the First Author indicate your contributions If you have any submitted manuscripts, please include your email confirmation from the journal) List of your conference presentationsContact information for three references  YOUR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION(S) (File Name: Last Name_Publication#_Date):*Please provide each publication as a separate file in PDF formatPublication Number(s) should correspond with the list number in your CVThe research component of the graduate student position will be conducted within the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), University of Guelph. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists from different areas (materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer chemistry, packaging, and plant agriculture) and will have the chance to work collaboratively with industrial partners.At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to the further diversification of our Institution. If you have any questions, please contact bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca.Supervised by: Professor Amar Mohantyhttps://www.bioproductscentre.com/director Professor Manjusri Misrawww.uoguelph.ca/engineering/people/manjusri-misra-phdWe thank all applicants who apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted......

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Funded Graduate Opportunities - PhD/M.A.Sc./MEng in Biological Engineering*This graduate opportunity is for graduate students pursuing a degree in Biological Engineering for the following research areas:Bioplastics and Biobased PolymersBiocomposites (Natural Fibre Composites) and Polymer BlendsGreen Composites including Recyclability, Durability and Biodegradability StudiesBiobased Nanocomposites and Nanoblends3D Printing of Bioplastics and BiocompositesBiomass and Biomaterials SustainabilityBiomedical Applications for Bioplastics and BiocompositesValue-added Biobased Materials from the Coproducts/Byproducts of Biofuel IndustriesBiodegradability (Compostability)For entry into the Ph.D. Biological Engineering program, candidates must hold a thesis-based Master’s degree in engineering.For entry in the M.A.Sc./MEng programs, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please see the <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/future/international/english" target="_blank">chart</a> for acceptable tests and required scores. Please refer to the School of Engineering <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/engineering/grad/application-process" target="_blank">website</a> for department requirements.Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the positions are filled.A preliminary selection will be made based on the interviews to qualify the prospective candidate to apply for graduate studies at the University of Guelph. Selection does guarantee acceptance for graduate studies.How to ApplyApplication to the BDDC Selection CommitteePlease send your application package to bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca. Your application package must contain the below mentioned documents and labelled accordingly:COVER LETTER(File Name: Last Name_Cover Letter_Date)Outline qualifications for the specific position applied (i.e. Ph.D. Student)Indicate the earliest date of availability, if selected TWO-PAGE SUMMARY(File  Name: Last Name_Summary_Date)Outline your interest and motivation to work in the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC). Include how your educational and work background will help you to succeed on the topics researched at BDDC (information can be found on the website https://bioproductscentre.com/ ). How do you plan to learn about the aspects of the BDDC research you don't know. CV (CURRICULUM VITAE) [Organized Reverse Chronologically – Most Recent to Oldest] (File Name: Last Name_CV_Date):Education & Work Experience - Include high school information (Include: start and end date - MONTH and YEAR)Thesis title of your degree(s) (if applicable)Name of adviser for your degree(s) (if applicable)Percent average or GPA (if including GPA please provide what it is out of i.e. 4.36/5.0)Summary of time off taken between degrees starting from high schoolList of courses during your education most relevant to this position and grades obtained for each courseEnglish Language Proficiency results and sub-category breakdown (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) Include date or expected date of Exam (Exams must have been taken within the last 2 years)List of your publications organized by degree If you are NOT the First Author indicate your contributions If you have any submitted manuscripts, please include your email confirmation from the journal) List of your conference presentationsContact information for three references YOUR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION(S) (File Name: Last Name_Publication#_Date) *Please provide each publication as a separate file in PDF formatPublication Number(s) should correspond with the list number in your CVThe research component of the graduate student position will be conducted within the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), University of Guelph. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists from different areas (materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer chemistry, packaging, and plant agriculture) and will have the chance to work collaboratively with industrial partners.At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to the further diversification of our Institution. If you have any questions, please contact bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca.Supervised by: Professor Amar Mohantyhttps://www.bioproductscentre.com/director Professor Manjusri Misrawww.uoguelph.ca/engineering/people/manjusri-misra-phdWe thank all applicants who apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted......

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Professor Manjusri Misra's research on using coffee grounds and recycled plastics to create a biocomposites that can be used for rigid packaging and 3D printing applications was featured in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) Annual Research Report 2022-2023.A new life for waste plastics and coffee groundsToday, about 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with roughly 80 per cent entering landfills or the natural environment. The primary contributor: single use plastics. Researchers have been investigating ways to turn recycled and waste plastics into new more sustainable products, such as biocomposites – a material made from combining plastics and a natural resource (like natural fibers).In Canada, researchers are attempting to find new uses for an estimated 300,000 metric tonnes of used coffee grounds generated each year. Dr. Manjusri Misra, a professor in the School of Engineering, set out to develop sustainable biocomposites from coffee grounds. The coffee grounds were made into biocarbon and then combined with recycled plastics (water bottles and bale wrap) to produce a biocomposite. The evaluation of the biocomposites strength, durability and flexibility showed that the incorporation of biocarbon produced a biocomposite that demonstrated balanced properties for rigid packaging and 3D printing applications.The team used spent coffee grounds collected at the U of G to create the biocarbon and collected bale wrap from local farms in their experiments.The research successfully created biocomposites composed of 95 per cent sustainable input materials that have potential industrial uses, such as packaging and 3D printing applications, displacing fossil-based resources.By utilizing recycled waste materials to produce biocomposites, this research is a significant step towards reducing our environmental footprint and achieving the global sustainable development goals.For More Information, Visit CEPS Annual Report   ...

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BDDC team, including Prof. Amar Mohanty, Prof. Manjusri Misra, Dr. Arturo Rodriguez and Dr. Milka Popov met with Competitive Green Technologies: Atul Bali (CEO), Mike Tiessen (President), Xue (Snow) Bai (Lead – Supplier Development and Laboratory and Quality Engineer); and Dr. Parvinder Walia (Director of Materials Science, Magna International - Exteriors). The meeting included a visit to the Competitive Green Technologies facilities, in Leamington, Ontario......

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The International Conference on Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications (ICSMEA 2024), was held at IIT Madras, Chennai, India, from February 1-3, 2024. Professor Amar K. Mohanty delivered a keynote presentation (a spotlight lecture) on “Sustainable Materials for Circular Economy” and Professor Manjusri Misra, gave a keynote presentation on "Advanced biocarbons from sustainable resources and their lightweight polymer composite materials", remotely. The event was a hybrid format with in-person and virtual participation, including 15 expert international speakers and numerous young scholars from across India. The conference included contributions from international scholars, industry participants and research lab scientists, further enriching the discussions. For More Information: ICSMEA 2024    ...

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop visited the University of Guelph this week to learn how the University is helping develop commercial solutions to challenges in sectors across Ontario’s economy through technology research and innovation.The pair toured the BDDC Facilities and had a chance to interact with GIGAS, the Guelph Intelligent Greenhouse Automation System.  The researchers and students behind the development of these made-in-Guelph innovations showcased how research at our University is leading to commercialized products that directly solve challenges in sectors across Ontario’s economy – from agriculture to automotive and more.The premier and minister were given a demonstration of GIGAS, a “smart” robot under development by an interdisciplinary team at U of G to help automate tasks in Ontario’s greenhouse sector. Researchers in U of G’s School of Engineering explained how GIGAS is being trained to monitor greenhouse vegetable growth, detect disease outbreaks, prune leaves and harvest produce.  At the BDDC, researchers demonstrated how agricultural waste products are made into biomaterial pellets, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a circular economy.The premier and minister toured the BDCC with director Dr. Amar Mohanty, the OAC Distinguished Chair in Sustainable Biomaterials and Dr. Manjusri Misra, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Sustainable Biocomposites, and interacted with the trainees.For More Information: UofG News   ...

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