Yulin Deng
Professor
Contact Information
Building: Paper Tricentennial (IPST)
Office:
375
Phone: 404.894.5759
Fax: 404.894.4778
email
Mailing Address
Georgia Institute of Technology
School of Chemical &
Biomolecular Engineering
311 Ferst Drive, N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30332-0100
Links
Yulin Deng
Education
B.S. 1982, Northeast Normal University, China
Ph.D. 1992, Manchester University, United Kingdom
Research Interests
Dr. Deng’s research interests are nanomaterial synthesis and self‑assembling, biofuel and biomass materials, colloid and interface science and engineering, polymer synthesis, and papermaking and paper recycling.
One-dimensional nanomaterials, including ZnO, TiO2, Mg(OH)2, Au, conductive polymer, and two-dimensional nanomaterials with ordered patterns are Yulin Deng’s research interesting areas. The unique applications of one- and two-dimensional nanomaterials in sensor and solar cell have been focused. The one-dimensional nanomaterials synthesized in our lab have also been used as reinforcement materials in polymer nanocomposite. Biodegradable cellulose nanowhiskers and nanofibrils have been used as reinforcement nanomaterials in our research. Shape-memory aerogels based on cellulose nanofibrils have been discovered and paper-based diode have been reported by our research group recently.
Hollow structures inorganic materials, such as TiO2 and polymer materials, such as poly(iso-propyl acrylamide) have been synthesized. These unique nanomaterials can be used in many applications including drug delivery, solar cell, etc.
Nanocomposites such as polymer/nanoclay hybrids are engineering materials that have great potential in many industries. Recent research in Dr. Deng’s group indicated that exfoliated nanoclay could be encapsulated in polymer latexes. The water‑based polymer‑nanoclay suspension is a great candidate for painting and paper coating.
Biofuel is another interested research area of Dr. Deng’s research group. Novel pretreatment of lignoncellulose for biofuel production was one of Dr. Deng’s research areas. Low temperature catalytic depolymerization of lignin for fuel applications has been an actively research area.
Dr. Deng’s research has also been focused colloid and surface science and engineering. Polymer adsorption kinetics, polymer configuration, flocculation, emulsion and micellization have been studied. The new polymer additives and novel fillers that may be used as flocculants, papermaking agents, adhesives and drug delivery polymers are being designed and investigated.
Pulp and paper science and engineering have been a long research area in Dr. Deng’s research career.
Dr. Deng is a Fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science, a member of ACS, AIChE and TAPPI. He is also an editorial board member for three journals.