Joel Pawlak
Associate Professor, Department of Forest Biomaterials
Biltmore Hall (Robertson Wing) 3118
Bio
Dr. Joel Pawlak is a graduate of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University. He joined North Carolina State University in 2001 as an Assistant Professor. In 2007, he was promoted to Associate Professor and currently manages an active research portfolio totaling ~$1 million. Dr. Pawlak has numerous scholarly publication and has received a number of awards for his research. He was named a Syracuse University Scholar in 1997 and awarded the Edwin C. Jahn and Renata Marton Fellowships.
In 2009, Dr. Pawlak took a scholarly leave to UNC Chapel Hill for a sabbatical in the Department of Biology. He has collaborated with numerous departments and universities. These activities have resulted in an interdisciplinary graduate program of study between the Forest Biomaterials and Microbiology departments at NC State University. Dr. Pawlak has served the University on numerous committees including: the Grievance Committee, the Evaluation of Teaching Committee, the Admissions Committee, and the University Budget Advisory Board. Dr. Pawlak is a member of the University Partnership Council and the Research Triangle Environmental Health Collaborative. He is a recognized expert in the field of paper physics and has served as a private consultant for more than 20 companies.
In addition to his active research program and university service, Dr. Pawlak instructs two undergraduate courses, and two graduate courses in the Department of Forest Biomaterials. He is also a recognized educator in the paper industry having instructed more 750 industrial professionals in continuing education workshops. Dr. Pawlak currently resides in Raleigh with his wife Leslie and three children.
Dr. Pawlak’s research focuses on the material science and material engineering of multiphase materials. Current research interests include porous fibrous web structures, foams made from natural materials, natural super-absorbents, enzymatic manipulation of material structure, natural nano-scale fiber composites, and novel application of rheological phenomenon.
Area(s) of Expertise
Engineering multiphase materials, including porous fibrous web structures, foams, natural super-absorbents, enzymatic manipulation of material structure, nano-scale fiber composites, and novel application of rheological phenomenon
Publications
- Aerobic aquatic biodegradation of bio-based and biodegradable polymers: Kinetic modeling and key factors for biodegradability , International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation (2023)
- Aquatic Biodegradation of Poly(beta-Hydroxybutyrate) and Polypropylene Blends with Compatibilizer and the Generation of Micro- and Nano-Plastics on Biodegradation , JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (2023)
- High-performance sustainable tissue paper from agricultural residue: a case study on fique fibers from Colombia , CELLULOSE (2022)
- Materials challenges and opportunities to address growing micro/ nanoplastics pollution: a review of thermochemical upcycling , MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY (2022)
- Methods to assess and control dusting and linting in the paper industry: a review , INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY (2022)
- Microfiber shedding from nonwoven materials including wipes and meltblown nonwovens in air and water environments , ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH (2022)
- Review: The Softness of Hygiene Tissue , BIORESOURCES (2022)
- The tissue dust analysis system: a new device and methodology to quantify dusting and linting propensity in hygiene tissue papers , CELLULOSE (2022)
- Bacterial valorization of pulp and paper industry process streams and waste , APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (2021)
- Effect of lignocellulosic fiber composition on the aquatic biodegradation of wood pulps and the isolated cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin components: kinetic modelling of the biodegradation process , Cellulose (2021)