A&M-Texarkana Professor Awarded Patent for Wood Pulp-Based Filament Technology

TEXARKANA, Texas – Texas A&M University-Texarkana Director of Forest Products Executive Education Eun Young Kim was recently awarded a patent for Wood-Pulp Based Filament Technology (FI 132025 B1). The patent, awarded in April 2026, describes a method for converting conventional wood pulp into high-strength filaments, enabling new applications in sustainable textiles and advanced bio-based materials.

Eun Young Kim’s research focused on developing sustainable, high-performance materials from forest-based resources, particularly wood pulp. This patented technology introduces a new method for producing strong filaments from micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC), where a sustainable cross-linking process is applied at an earlier stage—within the fiber suspension—rather than after filament formation. This approach enables more uniform internal bonding within the material, resulting in improved wet strength, durability, and overall performance.

The technology also supports sustainability by reducing processing steps and avoiding the use of more hazardous chemicals. In addition to textile applications, it has potential in nonwoven materials, technical textiles, and bio-based composites.

Originally from South Korea, Kim’s lifelong interest in the wood, pulp, and paper industry began 25 years ago when she was the first South Korean student ever selected to a highly competitive research program at Georgia Tech’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute. With more than 20 years of international experience in the forest products sector, she saw opportunities at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

“I chose Texas A&M University-Texarkana because it offers a unique opportunity to help build engineering and workforce development programs that directly support the forest products industry,” said Kim. “The university is located in one of the most important forest product manufacturing regions in the United States, with major pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products facilities throughout the surrounding four-state area.”

She also states that the University’s Pulp and Paper Technology Certificate program, one of a very few nationwide, played a role in her decision to come to A&M-Texarkana. “The university’s Pulp and Paper Technology Certificate program provides an important pathway for workforce development and industry engagement in a region where demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. I am excited to help build programs that prepare students and industry professionals for long-term success while supporting the continued growth and sustainability of the forest products sector.”

“I want to congratulate Eun Young Kim on her recent patent for Wood Based Filament Technology,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, President of Texas A&M University-Texarkana. “This speaks to her dedication to research and development within the forest products industry. Her vast experience and knowledge will be a tremendous value to the students in our Pulp and Paper Technology program.”

Kim joined the A&M-Texarkana faculty in the fall of 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering from Kangwon National University in the Republic of Korea, and a Master of Science in Engineering, Forest Products Technology from Aalto University in Espoo, Finland.