Noureddine Abidi, Ph.D.

Background

Dr. Noureddine Abidi joined the FBRI in September 1999 as a Research Associate working in chemical finishes and textile chemistry. He earned his bachelor degree in chemistry and master degree in polymer chemistry. He earned advanced degree in Polymers, Interfaces and Amorphous State and Ph.D. in Theoretical, Physical and Analytical Chemistry at the University of Montpellier II in Montpellier, France and then did two postdoctoral studies at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Condensed Matter at the University of Montpellier II and at the Material and Membrane Processes Laboratory, National College of Chemical Engineering of Montpellier. In September 2000, Dr. Abidi was promoted to Head of Finishes/Chemical Research. Dr. Abidi also holds a joint appointment as Professor for the Department of Plant and Soil Science. He was appointed as the Managing Director for the Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute on January 1, 2017.

Curriculum vitae

Research Interests

Research activities for Dr. Abidi are now encompassing:

1. Chemistry of sugars involved in cotton stickiness and evaluation of new stickiness detection method based on sugar properties,
2. Relationship between cotton fiber physical properties (ex. strength, fineness and maturity) and structural properties (ex. crystallinity and fibril orientation),
3. Study of cotton fiber development using FTIR microspectroscopy, 
4. Functionalization of cotton fabric surface and development of new products with new functional properties (ex. Ultraviolet protection properties, antibacterial, stain resistant, water repellent, winkle free), using Microwave plasma and sol-gel technologies.

Dr Abidi will continue his research efforts to further the understanding of plant-based biopolymers with special emphasis on cotton. Because cotton is the purest form of cellulose found in nature, it can serve as useful models for other plant-based biopolymers. As our nation moves toward a bio-based economy, a greater understanding of the properties and functionality of plant-based biopolymers will be critical.

For Dr. Abidi, graduate students are the pillar of the research activities. Dr. Abidi believes that when students are seriously involved in various research projects, they can develop their professional career, while learning research methodologies, critical thinking, and problem-solving using their technical and analytical skills.

Lab Website

Teaching

• PSS 5370 Cotton Fibers
• PSS 5371 Structure & Functionalization of Cotton Fibers
• PSS 5373 Biopolymers & Biproducts
• PSS 5377 Cotton Fiber: Genotype to Phenotype Character