Near InfraRed Woody Biomass

Darrell Donahue and Amy St. Peter
Dr. Donahue and an undergraduate student, Amy St Peter, evaluate near-InfraRed scans, which helps to analyze process stream extracts from wood processing as part of the bio-refinery process.

Who’s Involved?

Research Introduction

We use light to see into the wood product and determine the chemistry of the wood. With near-IR spectroscopy, we may be able to quickly assess various kinds of chemical properties in wood extracts and decide what outcomes and products would be most efficient and economical to produce.

Near-IR spectroscopyResearch Details

With the use of near-IR spectroscopy, we are able to analyze process stream extracts from wood processing as part of the forestry bio-refinery process. When developed, these spectroscopy methods will enable near real-time determination of process chemistries so that these processes can be economically optimized.