TAPPI’s International Nanotechnology Division Names Key Division Officers
TAPPI’s International Nanotechnology Division announces the appointment of the following new division officers: Sean Ireland, Verso Paper, Chairman; Phil Jones, IMERYS, Vice Chairman; and Ted Wegner, USDA Forest Service-Forest Products Laboratory, Secretary. The Nanotechnology Division focuses on nanotechnology for renewable materials, including the advancement of research and development for nanocellulose.
“I’m excited about the challenge of leading the Nanotechnology Division as it works to advance a broad range of activities to expand education, standards development and networking opportunities,” notes Sean Ireland, the division’s new Chairman. “Nanotechnology has great potential as a key technology to enable the development of a new generation of products based on traditional forest products as well as a range of other applications and renewable materials.”
In addition to developments for traditional forest-based products like pulp, paper and building materials, the Nanotechnology Division also concentrates on applications such as coatings, plastics, digital displays, military body armors, and medical implants, among others. Short and long-term goals for the division include: offering unique and useful information that help members in their jobs; developing press products, standards and TIPS; and the creation of a Nanotechnology course and webinar series. For further information, view the Nanotechnology video on www.rethinktrees.org.
"The division will provide a platform for the industry to respond to the rapidly changing field of nanotechnology, especially as commercialization develops in this fast-growing sector,” notes Phil Jones, Division Vice-Chair and long-time TAPPI member. “We’ll work to build upon the strong success begun by TAPPI’s International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials. Nanotechnology is also about what happens at the interface and not just nano-dimensional materials. We now have the tools to explore complex materials in detail. ”
Ted Wegner, Division Secretary, notes that “While much has been accomplished, we are only just beginning to see the commercial results of ongoing research and development efforts that illustrate the great potential of this technology. I’m looking forward to contributing to the division’s efforts to expand awareness of nanotechnology and to foster knowledge sharing in this high growth sector.”