About

Dr. William Tai Yin Tze is an Associate Professor and the Principal Investigator of the Tze Research Group at the University of Minnesota. Originally from Malaysia, Dr. Tze's research focuses on polymer composites, nanotechnology, biomaterials, interfacial adhesion, and wood science. His work involves exploring the properties and applications of lignin-based nanocomposites, nanocellulose encapsulation, and temperature-regulating nanocellulose composite materials. Dr. Tze leads a diverse research group that includes graduate and undergraduate students from various international backgrounds, reflecting a broad interest in sustainable materials and bio-based composites. His group has contributed to advancements in the understanding and development of nanofibers, composites, and bioenergy co-products, as well as the creation of innovative materials such as resin-free wood microfiber bonding and biobased heat storage materials. Dr. Tze is based at the University of Minnesota's Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering department, where he continues to advance research in sustainable biomaterials and their applications.

Research topics

• Chemical engineering
• Composite material
• Materials science
• Biochemistry
• Combinatorial chemistry
• Chemistry

Selected publications

• Fully Biobased Thermosetting Adhesive from Enzymatic Saccharification Residue

  ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering · 2024-08-15 · 5 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  This study was aimed at using the solid residue of enzyme-based cellulosic sugar production (saccharification) to formulate a fully biobased heat-curable wood adhesive. The novelty of such utilization lies in three implemented strategies: (1) valorizing lignin in the hardwood saccharification residue without chemical prerefining, (2) increasing reactive surfaces by wet-grinding the lignin-rich residue, and (3) blending citric acid (biobased cross-linker) as an adhesive component to enhance bond performance of the residue. Single-lap shear specimens were prepared and tested. Results showed that saccharification improved the wood bonding ability of the resulting residue. Grinding the residue into smaller particles also led to stronger bonding. Without citric acid (only saccharification residue), the lap shear strength value attained 80% (or 6.25 MPa) of that of a commercial phenol-formaldehyde (PF) wood adhesive. With 33.3% w/w citric acid (66.7% w/w saccharification residue), the dry and wet bonding properties achieved values comparable to those of PF. Ester cross-linking was verified to account for such enhanced bonding. This formaldehyde-free, competitive adhesive product signifies waste valorization realized via an organic solvent-free process. Upon optimizing the grinding step, this adhesive could contribute to the viability of the cellulosic sugar-based biorefinery system, as a collateral benefit and a win–win strategy for utilizing plant biomass.

  PublisherDOI

• Nanocomposites of recycled and of virgin polyamide 6.6 with cellulose nanofibers

  Hybrid Advances · 2024 · 6 citations

  • Materials science
  • Composite material
  • Chemical engineering

  The inherent properties of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) make them an interesting and sustainable choice for reinforcing polymeric matrices intended for the automotive, electronic, construction, and packaging sectors. Effective recycling and reuse of polyamide 6.6 significantly reduce the environmental impact of automotive components throughout its entire life cycle. Nanocomposites of recycled polyamide 6.6 and CNF and of virgin polyamide 6.6 and CNF were processed through dissolution in a formic acid/water mixture followed by melt extrusion and injection molding. The results show that pure recycled polyamide exhibited a thermal degradation onset temperature 10 °C lower and a 9 % lower crystallinity compared to pure virgin polyamide. The method used for processing the nanocomposites resulted in homogeneous dispersion and good anchoring of CNF in both polymer matrices. The processing method and the presence of CNF reduce the thermal stability by up to 15 °C for recycled polyamide nanocomposites and up to 26 °C for virgin polyamide nanocomposites. The processing method did not significantly impair the elastic modulus and tensile strength of both recycled and virgin polyamides, showing a 3 % and 1 % reduction in tensile strength for recycled and virgin polyamides, respectively. The incorporation of 1 wt% and 2 wt% of CNF in virgin polyamide showed an increase in the elastic modulus of 16 % and 5 %, respectively, and a reduction in ductility. In summary, this work offers an alternative processing pathway for nanocomposites of recycled or virgin polyamide 6.6 with CNF; however, some improvements are still necessary to achieve the reinforcing effect of CNF on the mechanical strength of the matrices.

  PublisherDOI

• Binderless films from lignin-rich residues of enzymatic saccharification

  Biomass and Bioenergy · 2021-08-18 · 5 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Correction to: Effects of nanocellulose formulation on physicomechanical properties of Aquazol–nanocellulose composites

  Cellulose · 2021-03-02

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Enzyme Assemblies for Enhanced Biotransformations with In Situ Cofactor Regeneration

  Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology · 2020 · 2 citations

  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Combinatorial chemistry
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effects of nanocellulose formulation on physicomechanical properties of Aquazol–nanocellulose composites

  Cellulose · 2020 · 10 citations

  • Materials science
  • Composite material
  • Chemical engineering
  PublisherDOI

• Morphological and rheological behaviors of micro-nanofibrillated NaOH-pretreated Aspen wood

  Cellulose · 2019-03-23 · 5 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Improvement of Mechanical Properties, Thermal Stability, and Water Absorption Resistance of an Eco-Friendly PLA/Kenaf Biocomposite Using Acetylation

  Applied Sciences · 2018-03-05 · 110 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  As a result of industrialization and environmental pollution, increasing importance is being given to eco-friendly materials and technology. In particular, eco-friendly biocomposites using polylactic acid (PLA) have attracted great interest. In this work, fiber-reinforced composites were investigated in order to enhance the mechanical properties and improve the economic efficiency of PLA. Specifically, composite materials using natural fibers, such as kenaf were actively studied. In the utilization of natural fibers, such as kenaf, the treatment method for increasing the bonding force between the fiber and the matrix is very important. In this study, the surface of kenaf was treated using an acetylation technique, and the PLA composite material was prepared using surface-treated kenaf. Changes in fiber properties were observed with acetylation treatment time. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and water absorption resistance of the acetylated kenaf and PLA composites prepared for each condition were evaluated. Finally, was concluded that acetylation treatment is effective for improving the performance of PLA/kenaf composites. This behavior was found to relate to the surface cleaning of acetylated kanaf, in addition to the efficient modification of the hydrophilic characteristics of kenaf.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Mechanically enhanced electrically conductive films from polymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene with wood microfibers

  Journal of Applied Polymer Science · 2017-04-06 · 6 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  ABSTRACT This study was aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) using wood microfibers. Ultra fine friction grinding was conducted on wood particles to reduce their size to the micron scale and to induce fibrillation. Oxidative polymerization was performed on 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer at seven dosages based on the content of microfibers in the formulation. The presence of PEDOT:PSS in the prepared films was verified by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The composite films became stronger and stiffer as the fiber content increased. An EDOT:microfibers ratio of 33 wt % was considered the best among the seven tested levels, judging from their low sheet resistivity (340 Ω/sq.) and favorable tensile properties (38 MPa strength and 4.8 GPa stiffness). The selected films were also tested for their resistance to solvents to obtain information about their potential use in different environments. Among the tested solvents, sodium hydroxide greatly decreased the film conductivity. It also had the harshest effect on reducing the weight of the film. Findings from this study demonstrate the successful use of wood microfibers alternative to synthetic substrates and cellulose nanofiber as a supportive and reinforcing material for electrically conductive polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45127.

  PublisherDOI

• Nitrogen Adsorption Analysis of Wood Saccharification Residues

  Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology · 2017-03-25 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  The objective of this study was to examine changes in the porosity and internal structure of wood as it goes through the process of saccharification (extraction of fermentable sugars). This study also examined the use of different drying methods to prepare samples for characterization of internal pores, with particular emphasis on the partially disrupted cell wall. Aspen wood flour samples after dilute acid pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis were examined for nitrogen adsorption. The resulting isotherms were analyzed for surface area, pore size distribution, and total pore volume. Results showed that freeze drying (with sample pre-freezing) maintains the cell wall structure, allowing for examination of saccharification effects. Acid pretreatment (hemicellulose removal) doubled the surface area and tripled the total volume of pores, which were mostly 10-20 nm wide. Subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis (cellulose removal) caused a 5-fold increase in the surface area and a ~ 11-fold increase in the total volume of pores, which ranged from 5 to 100 nm in width. These results indicate that nitrogen adsorption analysis is a feasible technique to examine the internal pore structure of lignocellulosic residues after saccharification. The information on the pore structure will be useful when considering value-adding options for utilizing the solid waste for biofuel production.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Han‐Seung Yang

  University of Minnesota

  16 shared

• Islam Hafez

  University of Maine

  10 shared

• Douglas J. Gardner

  University of Maine

  9 shared

• Jonathan S. Schilling

  University of Minnesota

  8 shared

• Shona M. Duncan

  University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

  7 shared

• Xin Lü

  6 shared

• Xueyan Zhao

  6 shared

• Márcia Cristina Branciforti

  5 shared

Labs

• Tze Research GroupPI

  Polymer Composites | Nanotechnology | Biomaterials | Interfacial Adhesion | Wood Science

Education

• Ph.D. Forest Resources

  University of Maine

  2003

Awards & honors

• Distinguished Teaching Award for Undergraduate Faculty, Coll…
• Richard C. Newman Art of Teaching Award, University of Minne…
• L. J. Markwardt Wood Engineering Award, Forest Products Soci…