Kaichang Li

Professor
102 Richardson Hall
Department of Wood Science & Engineering
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon  97331-5751
Phone: (541) 737-8421
Fax:  (541) 737-3385
E-mail: kaichang.li@oregonstate.edu

Ph.D. – Wood Chemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, September 1996.

M.S. – Organic Synthesis, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P.R. China. June 1987.

B.S. – Applied Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P.R. China. June 1984.

Professor – Department of Wood Science & Engineering, Oregon State University. 2010 – Present

Graduate Faculty – Material Science Program, Oregon State University. 2006 – Present

Graduate Faculty – Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Oregon State University. 2001 – Present

Associate Professor – Department of Wood Science & Engineering, Oregon State University. 2005 – Present

Assistant Professor – Department of Wood Science & Engineering, Oregon State University. 1999-2005

Assistant Research Biochemist (Assistant Professor level). Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia. November 1998 – June 1999.

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia. October 1996 – October 1998.

Graduate Research Assistant – Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, January 1993 – September 1996.

Research Associate and Instructor – South China University of Technology/P.R. China. (1987 – 1992).

Graduate Research Assistant – South China University of Technology/P.R. China. (1984 – 1987).

WSE 321 – Chemistry and Structure of Renewable Materials

WSE 535 – Polymer Syntesis and Structure

My research programs encompass the following broad areas: 1) development of formaldehyde-free wood adhesives from renewable natural resources, 2) development and characterization of new environmentally friendly pressure sensitive adhesives from renewable natural resources, 3) development and characterization of superior natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites, 4) investigation of interfacial chemistry of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites, 5) development and characterization of new environmentally friendly foundry sand binders from renewable natural resources.

Development of Formaldehyde-Free Wood Adhesives. There are two important issues associated with the currently used wood adhesives, phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and urea-formaldehyde (UF), in the forest products industry: 1) These synthetic adhesives are petroleum-based, whereas the resources for petroleum are naturally limited; 2) Hazardous compounds such as formaldehyde may be emitted in the production and the use of wood composites bonded with PF and UF resins. Our objective for this study is to develop a commercially viable formaldehyde-free wood adhesive from renewable natural resources for production of wood composites.

Inspired by the strong and water-resistant bonding of marine organisms such as mussels to rocks and other substances, we are investigating conversion of renewable natural resources such as soy protein, carbohydrates, and lignin to strong and water-resistant wood adhesives. At present, one of our formaldehyde-free soy-based adhesives is commercially used for production of decorative plywood. A second generation of a formaldehyde-free wood adhesive that consists completely of natural materials, i.e., does not contain any petrochemical-based products is being evaluated at a mill scale for production of plywood panels.

Development and characterization of new environmentally friendly pressure sensitive adhesives from renewable natural resources. We have recently invented three independent environmentally friendly pressure sensitive adhesive technologies from renewable materials such as vegetable oils. One of the adhesive technologies has been licensed by a big company and commercialization of the technology is ongoing. We are seeking for industry partners to commercialize the other two technologies. Our pressure sensitive adhesives are either solely based on renewable materials or use a small amount of petrochemicals. No toxic chemicals or organic solvents are used in the preparation of our adhesives. The adhesives and the process of making the adhesives are very environmentally friendly. The adhesives are cost-competitive to existing petrochemical-based pressure sensitive adhesives.

Development and characterization of superior natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. We are developing and characterizing novel natural-fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. We focus on use of bamboo fibers as reinforcing materials.

Investigation of interfacial chemistry of natural fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites such as bamboo-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites are one of the fastest growing sectors in the composites industry. However, the interface between the natural fibers and the polyester is typically weak and fails to transfer stress between the phases. Consequently, the full strength of the natural fibers is unavailable to reinforce the polyester. One solution to this problem is the use of a coupling agent that bridges the interface and improves the stress transfer between the natural fibers and polyester. We are developing a superior family of coupling agents and gaining a better understanding of interfacial chemistry of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites.

Development and characterization of new environmentally friendly foundry sand binders from renewable natural resources. We have recently invented novel environmentally friendly foundry sand binders from carbohydrates. We are currently seeking industry partners to commercialize this novel technology.

Development of novel styrene-free unsaturated polyester resins. Conventional unsaturated polyester resins all contain a high amount of carcinogenic styrene. We are developing styrene-free environmentally friendly unsaturated polyester resins from renewable materials.

2009 the First Annual Entrepreneurs and Innovators award by Austin Entrepreneurship Program of Oregon State University, April 4, 2009.

2008 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award, a runner-up in Environment Category. This was among 28 awards selected from more than 700 nominations that were submitted from more than 30 countries.

2007 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, Environmental Protection Agency.

Archer Daniels Midland Award for Best Paper in Engineering/Technology in 2004 by American Oil Chemists’ Society (Li, K., S. Peshkova, and X. Geng. 2004. Investigation of soy protein-kymene adhesive systems for wood composites. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 81(5):487-491).

Emerging Faculty Scholar Award, Oregon State University Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, May 2002.

American Chemical Society
Forest Products Society

Ren, X., R. Qiu, L. S. Filfield, K. L. Simmons, and K. Li. 2012. Effects of surface treatments on mechanical properties and water resistance of kenaf fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. J. Adhesion Sci. Technol. Available online: 17 May 2012.

Qiu, R., X. Ren, and K. Li. 2012. Effect of fiber modification with a novel compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and water absorption of hemp-fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Polym. Eng. Sci.:in press.

Ren, X., R. Qiu, and K. Li. 2012. Modifications of kenaf fibers with N-methylol acrylamide for production of kenaf-unsaturated polyester
Composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.:52(6): 1342-1347

Huang, J., C. Li, and K. Li. 2012. A new soy flour-polyepoxide adhesive system for making interior plywood. Holzforschung: Published Online: 27/02/2012

Gu, K., J. Huang, and K. Li. 2012. Preparation and evaluation of particleboard bonded with a soy flour-based adhesive with a new curing agent J. Adhesion Sci. Technol.:in press.

Jang, Y., J. Huang, and K. Li. 2011. A new formaldehyde-free wood adhesive from renewable materials. Int. J. Adhesion Adhesives 31:754-759.

Qiu, R., X. Ren, L. S. Filfield, K. L. Simmons, and K. Li. 2011. Hemp-fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites: optimixation of processing and improvement of interfacial adhesion. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.:121(2), 862-868

Catal, T., Y. Fan, K. Li, H. Bermek, and H. Liu. 2011. Utilization of mixed monsaccharides for power generation in microbial fuel cells. J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol. 86(4), 570-574

Gu, K., and K. Li. 2011. Preparation and evaluation of particleboard with a soy flour-polyethylenimine-maleic anhydride adhesive. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc:88 (5), 673-679

Prasittisopin, L., and K. Li. 2010. A new method of making particleboard with a formaldehyde-free soy-based adhesive. Compos. Part A 41:1447-1453.

Schwarzkopf, M., J. Huang, and K. Li. 2010. A formaldehyde-free soy-based adhesive for making oriented strandboard. Journal of Adhesion 86:352-364.

Bai, W., and K. Li. 2009. Partial replacement of silica with microcrystalline cellulose in rubber composites, Composites: Part A: 40: 1597-1605.

Schwarzkopf, M., J. Huang, and K. Li. 2009. Preparation and Evaluation of Oriented Strandboard Bonded with a Formaldehyde-Free Soy-Based Adhesive. Journal of American Oil Chemistry Society: 86: 1001-1007.

Bai, W., J. Holbery, and K. Li. 2009. A technique for production of nanocrystalline cellulose with a narrow size distribution. Cellulose, 16: 455-465.

Milota, M., P. Mosher, and K. Li. 2008. RTIL absorption of organic emissions from press and dry exhaust. Forest Products Journal 58(4):97-101.

Catal, T., S. Xu, K. Li, H. Bermek, and H. Liu. 2008. Electricity generation from polyalcohols in single-chamber microbial fuel cells. Biosensors and Bioelectronics 24:849-854.

Catal, T., Y. Fan, K. Li, H. Bermek, and H. Liu. 2008. Effects of furan derivatives and phenolic compounds on electricity generation in microbial fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources 180:162-166.

Catal, T., K. Li, H. Bermek, and H. Liu. 2008. Electricity production from twelve monosaccharides using microbial fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources 175:196-200.

Huang, J., and K. Li. 2008. A new soy flour-based adhesive for making interior type II plywood. Journal of American Oil Chemistry Society 85:63-70.

Wang, F., M. R. Milota, P. Mosher, K. Li, and M. Yankus. 2007. Henry’s Law constants for methanol and a-pinene in ionic liquids. Wood Fiber Sci 39(3): 434-442.

Saputra, H. A., J. Simonsen, and K. Li. 2007. Effects of compatibilizers on the flexural properties of grass straw–polyethylene composites. J. Biobased Mat. Bioenergy 1(1):137-142.

Milota, M., P. Mosher, and K. Li. 2007. VOC and HAP removal from dryer exhaust gas by absorption into ionic liquids. Forest Prod J. 57(5):73-77.

Lu, J. Z., T. W. Doyle, and K. Li. 2007. Preparation and characterization of wood-(nylon 12) composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 103(1):270-276.

Liu, Y., and K. Li. 2007. Development and characterization of adhesives from soy protein for bonding wood. Int. J. of Adhesion and Adhesives 27:59-67.

Liu, Y., and K. Li. 2006. Preparation and characterization of demethylated lignin-polyethylenimine adhesives. J. Adhesion 82(6):593-605.

Geng, X., and K. Li. 2006. Investigation of wood adhesives from kraft lignin and polyethylenimine. J. Adhesion Sci. Technol. 20(8):847-858.

Geng, Y., K. Li, and J. Simonsen. 2006. Further investigation of polyaminoamide-epichlorohydrin/stearic anhydride compatibilizer system for wood-polyethylene composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 99(3):712-718.

Zhang, C., K. Li, and J. Simonsen. 2006. Terminally functionalized polyethylenes as compatibilizers for wood-polyethylene composites. Polym. Eng. Sci. 46(1):108-113.

Geng, Y., K. Li, and J. Simonsen. 2005. A combination of poly(diphenylmethane diisocyanate) and stearic anhydride as a novel compatibilizer for wood-polyethylene composites. J. Adhesion Sci. Technol. 19(11):987-1001.

Ren, D., and K. Li. 2005. Development of wet strength additives from wheat gluten. Holzforschung 59:598-603.

Geng, Y., K. Li, and J. Simonsen. 2005. A commercially viable compatibilizer system for wood-polyethylene composites. J. Adhesion Sci. Technol. 19(15):1363-1373.

Li, K., and X. Geng. 2005. Formaldehyde-free wood adhesives from decayed wood. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 26:529-532.

Zhang, C., K. Li, and J. Simonsen. 2004. Improvement of interfacial adhesion between wood and polypropylene in wood-polypropylene composites. J. Adhesion Sci. Technol. 18(14):1603-1612.

Saputra, H., J. Simonsen, and K. Li. 2004. Effect of extractives on the flexural properties of wood/plastic composites. Compos. Interfaces 11(7):515-524.

Liu, Y., and K. Li. 2004. Modification of soy protein for wood adhesives using mussel protein as a model: the influence of a mercapto group. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 25:1835-1838.

Bermek, H., I. Gülseren, K. Li, H. Jung, and C. Tamerler. 2004. The effect of fungal morphology on ligninolytic enzyme production by a recently isolated wood-degrading fungus Trichophyton rubrum LSK-27. World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 20:345-349.

Bermek, H., H. Yazici, M. H. Öztürk, C. Tamerler, H. Jung, K. Li, K. M. Brown, H. Ding, and F. Xu. 2004. Purification and characterization of manganese peroxidase from wood-degrading fungus Trichophyton rubrum LSK-27. Enzym. Microb. Technol. 35:87-92.

Geng, X., K. Li, and F. Xu. 2004. Investigation of hydroxamic acids as laccase-mediators for pulp bleaching. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 64(4):493-496.

Geng, Y., K. Li, and J. Simonsen. 2004. Effects of a new compatibilizer system on the flexural properties of wood-polyethylene composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 91:3667-3672.

Li, K., and X. Geng. 2004. Investigation of formaldehyde-free wood adhesives from kraft lignin and a polyaminoamide-epichlorohydrin resin. J. Adhesion Sci. Technol. 18(4):427-439.

Li, K., X. Geng, J. Simonsen, and J. J. Karchesy. 2004. Novel wood adhesives from condensed tannins and polyethylenimine. Int. J. Adhesion Adhes. 24(4):327-333.

Li, K., S. Peshkova, and X. Geng. 2004. Investigation of soy protein-kymene adhesive systems for wood composites. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 81(5):487-491.

Li, X., Y. Geng, J. Simonsen, and K. Li. 2004. Application of ionic liquids for electrostatic control in wood. Holzforschung 58(3):280-285.

Rogers, J., X. Geng, and K. Li. 2004. Soy-based adhesives with 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol as curing agent. Wood Fiber Sci. 36(2):186-194.

Freitag, C. M., K. Li, and J. J. Morrell. 2003. Potential for the use of hydroxylamine derivatives as wood preservatives. Forest Prod. J. 53(7/8):77-79.

Geng, X., and K. Li. 2003. Deinking of recycled mixed office paper using two endo-glucanases, CelB and CelE, from the anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces PC2. TAPPI J. 2(6):29-32.

Geng, X., K. Li, I. A. Kataeva, X. Li, and L. G. Ljungdahl. 2003. Effects of two cellobiohydrolases, Cbha and CelK, from Clostridium thermocellum on deinking of recycled mixed office paper. Progress in Paper Recycling 12(3):6-10.

Zhang, C., K. Li, and J. Simonsen. 2003. A novel wood-binding domain of a wood-plastic coupling agent: development and characterization. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 89(4):1078-1084.

Peshkova, S., and K. Li. 2003. Investigation of poly(4-vinylphenol) as a wood adhesive. Wood Fiber Sci. 35(1):41-48.

Peshkova, S., and K. Li. 2003. Investigation of chitosan-phenolics system as wood adhesives. J. Biotechnol. 102(2):199 - 207.

Geng, X., and K. Li. 2002. Degradation of non-phenolic lignin by the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus cinnabarinus. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 60:342-346.

Liu, Y., and K. Li. 2002. Chemical modification of soy protein for wood adhesives. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 23(13):739-742.

Bermek, H., K. Li, and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 2002. Studies on inactivation and stabilization of manganese peroxidase from Trametes versicolor. Progress in Biotechnology 21:141-149.

Bermek, H., K. Li, and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 2002. Studies on mediators of manganese peroxidase for bleaching of wood pulps. Bioresource Technology 85:249-252.

Li, K., and X. Xu. 2002. Effects of a cellulose binding domain on deinking of recycled mixed office paper. Progress in Paper Recycling 11(2):9-13.

Jung, H., F. Xu, and K. Li. 2002. Purification and Characterization of Laccase from Wood-degrading Fungus Trichophyton rubrum LKY-7. Enzyme and Microbial Technology 30:161-168.

Xu, F., K. Li, and T. J. Elder. 2002. N-hydroxy mediated laccase biocatalysis: recent progress on its mechanism and future prospect of its application. Progress in Biotechnology 21:89-104.

Xu, F., H. J. Deussen, B. Lopez, L. Lam, and K. Li. 2001. Enzymatic and electrochemical oxidation of N-hydroxy compounds. Redox potential, electron-transfer kinetics, and radical stability. Eur. J. Biochem. 268(15):4169-4176.

Li, K., P. S. Horanyi, R. Collins, R. S. Phillips, and K. L. Eriksson. 2001. Investigation of the role of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid in the degradation of lignin by white-rot fungus Pycnoporus cinnabarinus. Enzyme Microb. Technol. 28(4-5):301-307.

Bermek, H., K. Li, and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 2000. Pulp bleaching with manganese peroxidase and xylanase: a synergistic effect. Tappi J. 83(10):69.

Xu, F., J. J. Kulys, K. Duke, K. Li, K. Krikstopaitis, H. J. Deussen, E. Abbate, V. Galinyte, and P. Schneider. 2000. Redox chemistry in laccase-catalyzed oxidation of N-hydroxy compounds. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 66(5):2052-2056.

Li, K., P. Azadi, R. Collins, J. Tolan, J. S. Kim, and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 2000. Relationship between activities of xylanases and xylan structures. Enzyme Microb. Technol. 27:89-94.

Li, K., R. Collins, and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 2000. Removal of dyes from recycled paper. Progress in Paper Recycling November:37-43.

Li, K., and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 2000. The importance of a laccase/mediator system in lignin degradation. Ind. J. Microbiol. 40:149-261.

Li, K., and R. F. Helm. 2000. Neolignan skeletons and benzodioxanes through chiral aryl alkyl ether formation. Holzforschung 54(6):597-603.

Li, K., F. Xu, and K. E. Eriksson. 1999. Comparison of fungal laccases and redox mediators in oxidation of a nonphenolic lignin model compound. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65(6):2654-60.

Li, K., R. F. Helm, and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 1998. Mechanistic studies of the oxidation of a non-phenolic lignin model compound by the laccase/1-hydroxybenzotriazole redox system. Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 27:239-243.

Bermek, H., K. Li, and K.-E. L. Eriksson. 1998. Laccase-less mutants of the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus cinnabarinus cannot delignify kraft pulp. J. Biotechnol. 66(2-3):117-124.

Helm, R. F., M. Toikka, K. Li, and G. Brunow. 1997. Lignin glycosides: preparation and optical resolution. J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans 1:533-537.

Li, K., and R. F. Helm. 1996. Approaches to synthetic neolignans. J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans 1:2425-2426.

Li, K., and R. F. Helm. 1995. Synthesis and rearrangement reactions of ester-linked lignin-carbohydrate model compounds. J. Agric. Food Chem. 48:2098-2103.

Li, K., and R. F. Helm. 1995. A practical synthesis of methyl 4-O-methyl-a-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. Carbohydr. Res. 273:249-253.

Helm, R. F., and K. Li. 1995. Complete the threo stereospecificity for the preparation of b-O-4 lignin model dimers. Holzforschung 49:533-536.

Li, K., and J. Z. Lu. 2008. New Insights into the Mechanisms of Compatibilization in Wood-Plastic Composites, p.288-300. In T. Q. Hu (ed.), Characterization of lignocellulosic materials, vol. Chapter 16. Blackwell Publishing.

Li, K., and K. Zhou. 2007. Room Temperature Ionic liquids as Lubricants for Wood-Polyethylene Composites, p. 168-181. In D. S. Argyropoulos (ed.), ACS Symposium Series 954-Materials, Chemicals and Energy from Forest Biomass. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC.

Geng, X., H. Jung, and K. Li. 2004. Degradation of wood and pulp by three fungi, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, Trichophyton rubrum LKY-7 and Trichophyton rubrum LSK-27, p. 139-151. In B. C. Saha and K. Hayashi (ed.), American Chemical Society Symposium Series 889 Lignocellulose biodegradation. American Chemical Society, Washington DC.

Li, K. 2003. The role of enzymes and mediators in lignocellulose degradation, p. 196-209. In B. Goodell, D. Nicholas, and T. Schultz (ed.), American Chemical Society Symposium Series 845, Wood deterioration and preservation, Advances in our changing world. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC.

Li, K.; Prabhu, N. G.; Cooper, D. A.; Xu, F.; Elder, T. and Eriksson, K.-E. L. 2001. Development of New Laccase-mediators for Pulp Bleaching. In: Fundamentals and catalysis of oxidative delignification process D. S. Argyropoulos (ed.), American Chemical Society, Publishers, Washington DC. Pp. 400-412.

Graduate Research Assistantships are currently available for qualified students. I would prefer prospective graduate students have a background in one of the following areas: polymer science including polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and polymer processing, composite materials science, organic chemistry, wood chemistry and biochemistry.