CONTACT INFORMATION   School of Forestry LA Tech University P.O. Box 10138 Ruston, LA  71272 E-mail grozdits@latech.edu   Phone: (318) 257-4898 Fax: (318)257-5061   Office: Forestry Lab Bldg.  Room  104

Dr. George A.   Grozdits          Assistant Professor Research

Dr. George A. Grozdits Awarded Pro Facultate Ligniensis from the University of West Hungary

On September 14, 2006, Dr. George A. Grozdits was awarded the Pro Facultate Ligniensis medal in West Hungary for his long time collaboration with the Faculty of Wood Sciences, for participation in common research projects and conferences, for helping Hungarian students in their studies and as a recognition of his internationally renown accomplishment in the area of wood sciences.  He received a certificate and medallion from the University of West Hungary.

Education:

B.S. - Forest Engineering, UBC, 1959
M.S. - Wood Technology, VPI&SU, 1967
Ph.D. - Wood Science, VPI&SU, 1971
Ph.D. -  Engineering Sciences (ChemE), La Tech Univ.

Research Interests:

Effects of wood qualities on wood manufacturing processes. - Fiber Techonology., Adhesion & Finishing.

Optimal wood qualities for the fiber and timber industries:

The basic wood properties suggest the best use for a given woody species. The product quality and their manufacturing process are then governed by the variation of the inherent wood properties,therefore, it is important to understand the basic material properties of wood, how it develops in the tree and how BMP's effect them.

Tree and gross wood properties, like tree size and shape, weight, and bark to wood ratios are measured. Within-tree wood properties, like juvenile vs. mature wood ratios, intra-incremental growth rates, mass distributions and fiber lengths are established.

Time related tree growth models (by growth rings) describe the effects of forest management practices on tree growths and wood quality. Radial growth rates from the ground level up shows where the tree age and silvicultural treatments. The measured earlywood/latewood ratios are excellent indicators for structural lumber qualities, while fiber length changes within the tree suggest what part is best for pulp.

This knowledge from wood quality studies is used to optimize manufacturing processes.

Recognitions:

Jim Walter Research Corporation - Pattens and Records of Inventions on Release Agents for Wood Panel Production

LA State University - Adjunct Professor, LA Forest Products Center

University of West Hungary - Pro Facultate Ligniensis from Faculty of Wood Sciences

LA Tech University Research Foundation - Notation for submitting his first record of invention 

Selected Publications:

2006. Zheng, Z., Z. Lu, G. Grozdits, T. Shutava, J. McDonald, and Y Lvov. 2006.  Pulp fibers as tubule microtemplates for layer -by-layer assembly and interior synthesis. Paper No. 374, IN: Proceedings of the 230th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Division of Polymeric Materials:  Science and Engineering, Washington, D.C. August 28- September 1, 2005. (In Press) Abstract published on the Web at http://oasys2.confex.com/acs/230 nm/techprogram/P887362.HTM.

2006. Zheng., Z., J. McDonald, R. Khillan, L. Su, T. Shutava, G. Grozdits, and Y.M. Lvov, 2006. Layer-by-layer nanocoating of lignocellulosic fibers for enhanced paper properties.  Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. 6(3):624-632

2002. Grozdits, G. A. Microwave Energy Induced Separetion of Water from Cellulose in Cellular Lignocellulosic Complexes - Mechanism, Energy-, and Mass-Balance. Graduate Research Proposal. 6 pages (Partial requirement for Doctoral Candidacy at La Tech Univ.)

2001. Gibson, M. D., Clason, T., Hill, G, and G. A. Grozdits. 2001. Influence of thinning and pruning on southern pine veneer quality. Pages 163-167, In: Outcult, Kenneth W., ed., Proceedings of the Eleventh Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference, Knoxville, TN., March 20-22, 20001. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-??, Ashville, NC: USDA, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. ?? pp. (In press - can be viewed online at http://www.srs.fs.fed.us/bssrc/TABLOFOCONT.htm).

Abstracts and Most Recent Participation in Symposiums:

"Nanocoating of Cellulosic Fibers for Improved  Fiber Recycling and Production of Better Papers." Yuri Lvov, , Zhiguo Zheng, and George Grozdits.

Institute for Micromanufacturing and School of Forestry, Louisiana Tech University. Abstract in: International Symposium on Advanced Biomass Science and technology. Beijing, China. Page 5.

"Nano-functionalizing cellulose fibers with conductive polymers and enzymes for smart paper."  Zhiguo Zheng, Qu Xing, George
Grozdits, and Yuri Lvov, Institute for Micromanufacturing and Forestry School, Louisiana Tech University. Abstract in: International Symposium on Advanced Biomass Science and technology. Beijing, China. Page 4.

“Optimization of Resin-Systems for Bagasse Furnishes for Composite Boards”.  George Grozdits, Warren Smith (retired), School of Forestry, Louisiana Tech University and Taplopan SA, Venezuela . Abstract in: International Symposium on Advanced Biomass Science and technology. Beijing, China. Page 92.

“Production of Phenols from Biomass for Plywood Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins”.  Andy Himmelblau and George Grozdits, Biocarbons Corporation and School of Forestry, Louisiana Tech University.  Abstract in: International Symposium on Advanced Biomass Science and technology. Beijing, China. Page 78.