Biomaterials Deconstruction & 

Composition Laboratory 

Using customized Instron 

load analysis equipment, 

scientists and engineers 

evaluate the mechanical 

properties and fracture 

behavior of biomaterials to 

identify types and varieties of 

feedstocks with improved 

collection, handling, and 

preprocessing characteristics 

for DOE’s Office of Biomass 

Programs support of an 

emerging bioenergy industry. 

Purpose 

Biomaterials by their very nature are complex composite structures made up of several

different subcomponents whose properties are determined from the chemical configurations 

of the carbohydrate and lignin components. Understanding the chemical and mechanical

properties of these composite structures provides the analytical support to the other signature

areas in the development of computational engineering and post-harvest characterization 

methods and for preprocessing and feedstock assembly requirements. The BDCL utilizes

microscopy, imaging systems, NIR analysis, and mechanical testing methods to characterize 

biomaterials. The analyses are designed to support the development of advanced composite

theories and enhance harvesting, preprocessing, and pretreatment operations. 

Research Goals 

The biomass often has unique characteristics that may require the modification of standard

testing equipment to produce reliable measurements of mechanical properties. It is the goal 

of this research to develop reliable methods, accurately examine and test biomass for its 

composition and mechanical characteristics, and determine key relationships between 

composition and structure to optimize quality for downstream pretreatment and processing. 

Critical Linkages 

The methods and tools developed through this feedstock/sugar interface R&D will link 

feedstock costs, quality, and sustainability metrics of harvesting, preprocessing, bulk

handling, and storage systems to downstream pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation 

operations. The R&D is guided by the program goal (C Level Milestone) of producing 300 

million tons of cellulosic feedstock per year by 2010 with a 50% cost reduction compared to

current technologies baselined in FY03. 
Laboratory Personnel 

The program is supported by a technical staff with varied backgrounds and capabilities, 

comparable to no other program of its kind. Chris Wright, Pete Pryfogle, (shown in cover 

image) and Corey Radtke are the project leads and technical experts. Chris Wright has a

theoretical and experimental background in composite structures and solid mechanics testing. 

Pete Pryfogle is an expert in advanced microscopy, image enhancement, and plant 

physiology. Corey Radtke’s expertise is in organic chemistry, compositional analysis, and 

hydrolysis and fermentation techniques. Along with support staff and collaborating partners, 

the BDCL team is addressing key bioenergy technical barriers captured in DOE Office of 

Biomass Programs’ goals and milestones.

For more information 

Laboratory Capabilities and Equipment 

Management contact:

J. Richard Hess 

Bioenergy Initiative

2008.526.0115

JRichard.Hess@inl.gov

Project Leads:

Chris Wright 

208.526.3075

Christopher.Wright@inl.gov 

Pete Pryfogle 

208.526.0373

Peter.Pryfogle@inl.gov 

Corey Radtke 

208.526.5186

Corey.Radtke@inl.gov 

Key Capabilities: 

• Advanced microscopy and image enhancement 

• Mechanical stress/strain analysis

• Particle sizing, density measurement, separation, and classification 

• NIR rapid analysis of biomass composition 

• Quantitative Saccharification wet chemistry analysis 

Speciality Equipment: 

• 3-color laser confocal microscopy system

• Nikon E800/E600 light microscopes equipped with 

- DIC (differential interference contrast) polarization 

- Phase contrast and dark field 

- Epifluorescence – numerous wavelength excitation and emission spectra 

• Environmental scanning electron microscope 

• FOS NIR forage analyzer 

• Leica RM2145 RC microtome 

• Still and video imaging systems 

• Image Pro Plus and Photoshop Adobe image analysis software 

• Instron universal stress/strain load frame

• TA Instruments – Q800 Dynamic Non-contact Mechanical Analysis Instrument 

Supporting Personnel 

The project is supported by skilled personnel in material science, fracture mechanics, 

agricultural systems design, plant science, microbiology, and high speed imaging. These 

personnel include Richard Hess, Reed Hoskinson, Pete Pryfogle, Eric Steffler, Richard 

Williamson, Jeff Lacey, Mike Daniels, and Brad Blackwelder of the INL. 

Publications 

C.T. Wright, P.A. Pryfogle, N.A. Stevens, E.D. Steffler, J.R. Hess, and T.H. Ulrich. 

2004. Biomechanics of Wheat/Barley Straw and Corn Stover. The 26th Symposium of 

Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals held in Chattanooga, TN. May 9-12, 2004.

K.D. Hamman, R.L. Williamson, E.D. Steffler, C.T. Wright, J.R. Hess, and P.A. Pryfogle. 

2004. Structural Analysis of Wheat Stems. The 26th Symposium of Biotechnology for Fuels 

and Chemicals held in Chattanooga, TN. May 9-12, 2004.