Sessions focus on nanotechnology research

A leading forest products nanotechnology researcher is the keynote speaker at NanoTECH 2013 February 28 at St. Cloud State University.

NanoTECH 2013 will deliver sessions featuring nanotechnology research in agriculture, environment, energy and medicine. Featured presenters include speakers from companies using nanotechnology, as well as academics and

students engaged in research.

The keynote presenter, Theodore Wegner, assistant director of the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wis., is set to speak at 9 a.m. in Atwood Memorial Center.

Wegner supervises scientists investigating nanocellulose, a plastic-like fibrous material, derived from wood pulp,which has potential applications in the automobile, aerospace and defense industries.

Nanotechnology focuses on materials at the molecular level, sometimes as small as one billionth of a meter.

Scientists consider cellulose the world’s most abundant natural, renewable, biodegradable polymer.

FPL researchers are going beyond nanocellulose to an even smaller component — cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).

Extremely light, and stronger than metals, CNCs could be used to make biodegradable medical implants, next-generation water filters, body armor and adhesives.

Direct registration questions to Char Kastanek at 320-308-4723. Register online at http://scsu.mn/14sdeI4.

For more information about the conference program, contact Russ Lidberg at 320-308-4858.