Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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2016
Awarded by the Society of Plastics Engineers, Automotive Division.

Lifetime Achievement Award

2016
Awarded by the University of Delaware

Medal of Excellence in Composite Materials

Membership

Nanoscale toughening of carbon fiber reinforced/epoxy polymer composites (CFRPs) using a triblock copolymer

Interlaminar reinforcement of glass fiber/epoxy composites with graphene nanoplatelets'

Mechanical and electrical properties of carbon fiber composites with incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets at the fiber-matrix interphase'

Multifunctional graphene nanoplatelets/cellulose nanocrystal composite paper'

Mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of graphene nanoplatelet/epoxy composites

Natural/Biofiber composites are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fiber composites, particularly in automotive, packaging, building, and consumer product industries, and becoming one of the fastest growing additives for thermoplastics. Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites provides a clear understanding of the present state and the growing utility of biocomposites.  Including contributions from experts on biobased materials, the book defines biocomposites and discusses the combination of fibers such as flax, jute, bamboo, pineapple leaf and oil palm fibers, kenaf, and industrial hemp with polymer matrices from both non-renewable and renewable resources. The authors also discuss the chemical nature, testing, biological synthesis, and properties of natural fibers in comparison to traditional materials as well as their cumulative properties when combined with various polymers to produce composite materials that are competitive with synthetic composites. Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites explains the rise of petrochemical and plastic products, the problems associated in their disposal, and how biopolymers offer a realistic solution to these problems. It analyzes the varying degrees biodegradability in biobased polymers depending on their composition and structure as well as the environment in which they are placed. Subsequent chapters discuss the advantages and applications of biodegradable polymers derived from starch and cellulose, soybeans, and even from renewable resources and petroleum. The authors conclude with recent trends and opportunities for the future use of biocomposites as alternatives to petroleum-based composites. The only source available today that focuses on biobased materials, Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites integrates the principles of sustainability, industrial ecology, eco-efficiency, and green chemistry and engineering into the development of the next generation of materials, products, and processes.

Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites

Fiber, Matrix, and Interface Properties (Astm Special Technical Publication)

Lawrence T. Drzal obtained a BChE from the University of Detroit and a PhD from Case Western Reserve University in Chemical Engineering in 1974.  From 1972 until 1985 he was a military and civilian engineer/scientist at the USAF Materials Laboratory where he worked adhesively bonded joints and the carbon fiber-matrix interphase in composite materials.  Professor Drzal’s research is primarily in surface and interfacial aspects of polymers in adhesive joints and the fiber-matrix interphase in composite materials.  This has consisted of research on carbon, glass, cellulose and aramid fiber surfaces: fiber/matrix adhesion measurement; surface modification by plasma, sulfonation and UV light in air; adhesion to thermoset and thermoplastic polymers; via microwave, e-beam, liquid and powder processing.  His current research is directed at polymer nanocomposites and bio-composites, including graphene nano-platelets, their surface chemistry and processing to improve the mechanical, thermal, and electrical and barrier properties of the resulting multifunctional composites.  Major research is also underway to develop biobased, sustainable, structural bio-composites from bamboo, kenaf and other plant fibers.  Dr. Drzal and his group members have published over 450 research papers (H Index = 101), have been awarded 41 patents and over 600 presentations at national and international conferences.  He has received numerous awards for his research.

Dr. Drzal is a University Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University.  He is Director of the Composite Materials and Structures Center at MSU, an interdisciplinary research center focusing on all aspects of polymeric, composite materials and their processing.  He was co-Director of the NSF State/Industry/University Center for Low-Cost, High-Speed Polymer Composites Processing.  From 2015 to 2018 he was the Vehicle Application Director of the Institute of Advanced Composite Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI).

Dr. Drzal is a founding member of the Adhesion Society (President 1998-2000) and the American Society for Composites.  In 2007, Dr. Drzal co-founded XG Sciences, Inc, a private Michigan company that is the world’s largest manufacturer of graphene nanoplatelets using processes and technologies developed at MSU. XG Sciences currently has 50+ employees.  He serves as its Chief Scientist.

Carbon Fibers

Ultraviolet Light Surface Modification

Multifunctional Materials

Composite Materials

Adhesion

Graphene Nanoplatelets

Plant Fiber Biocomposites

Composite Processing

University of Delaware Announces Composite Medal Award Winners

Second Location Announced for MSU-led Composite Materials Institute

Obama: Michigan State to Take Major Role in Developing Crucial Lightweight Materials in Autos

MSU Assumes Leadership Role in National Composite-Materials Venture

New Nanomaterial Makes Plastic Stiffer, Lighter And Stronger

University Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

Michigan State University Professor of Engineering Larry Drzal talks about his work with nanomaterials and batteries.

Michigan State University Professor of Engineering Larry Drzal describes his work with nanomaterials

Growing up in Detroit as the son of an auto manufacturing father, Drzal—now a university distinguished professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University’s College of Engineering—has established himself as an experienced, nationally-recognized leader in the area of materials science. Learn more: go.msu.edu/drzal   | #EmpowerMSU

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