4^th Global Summit on Biopolymers and Bioplastics

Biography

Dr. Hongbo Li received his B.S. and M.Sc. from Tsinghua University in China and his Ph.D. from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Ohio State University. Li completed a year as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, researching polymer foam processing in 2004, when he joined the NRC. With extensive expertise in polymer formulation, processing, and the utilization of Canadian biomass for manufacturing applications, Li has authored more than 30 journal publications with over 6,000 citations and one book chapter. He has successfully managed and completed more than 40 industrial projects and prepared 200 technical reports, fostering long-term collaborations with industrial clients. Some of the patented technologies, such as thermoplastic starch (TPS), lignin-based thermoplastics, and the carbonization of waste of plastics and biomass, have been scaled up for industrial production and demonstration and promoted zero plastic waste and plastic circularity in Canada. His research and innovations have generated over $12M in revenue for NRC.

Research Interest

Biopolymers, Bioplastics, Sustainable Materials, Polymer Processing, Biomass-Derived Materials, Thermoplastic Starch, Lignin-Based Polymers, Polymer Formulation, Waste Valorization, Plastic Recycling, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Manufacturing.