This collection centers on Dr. Gibbons’ research into developing fuels and chemicals from biomass as sustainable replacements for petroleum-based products. It includes extensive materials documenting the feasibility, economics, and technology of ethanol production using agricultural feedstocks such as fodder beets, corn, and sweet sorghum. The bulk of the collection comprises article reprints, manuscripts, correspondence, and other materials related to scholarly articles submitted by Dr. Gibbons to academic journals.
The collection also contains draft manuscripts of Dr. Gibbons’ M.S. thesis and Ph.D. dissertation, which delve into the technological and economic aspects of ethanol production and its byproducts. Photographs and slides depict ethanol and fermentation plants, research equipment, and experimental setups, providing visual documentation of research findings and production processes. Aca-demic presentations, posters, and conference materials highlight the dissemination of research at scientific gatherings.
Additionally, the collection includes clippings from newspapers and magazines about ethanol and its production, spanning several decades. These articles reflect public perception and media coverage of renewable energy topics. Draft testimonies, handwritten notes, flowcharts, and tables offer insights into Dr. Gibbons’ advocacy efforts, including support for ethanol tax incentives and policies promoting renewable energy.
Notable topics include small- and farm-scale ethanol production, solid-phase and diffusion fermenta-tion techniques, the use of agricultural waste for mushroom cultivation, and the energy and economic feasibility of renewable fuel development. Mushroom cultivation research in the collection explores innovative applications of agricultural byproducts, while international travel documentation provides a global perspective on ethanol production practices.
Gibbons, William Ray 1958-