Carlos Diaz-Acosta Headshot

Carlos Diaz-Acosta

Professor

Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science
College of Engineering Technology

585-475-3967
Office Location

Carlos Diaz-Acosta

Professor

Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science
College of Engineering Technology

Education

BS, MS, Universidad de los Andes (Colombia); Ph.D., Michigan State University

585-475-3967

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Hernandez-Charpak, Yvan D., et al. "Biochar-filled plastics: Effect of feedstock on thermal and mechanical properties." Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. (2022): 0. Web.
Hegde, Swati, et al. "Investigation of process parameters on the anaerobic digestion of a poly(hydroxyalkonate) film." European Polymer Journal 148. (2021): 110349. Web.
Diaz, Carlos A., et al. "Thermoformed Containers Based on Starch and Starch/Coffee Waste Biochar Composites." Energies 13. 22 (2020): 6034. Web.
Samadi, Kosar, et al. "Mechanical, Rheological and Anaerobic Biodegradation Behavior of a Poly(lactic acid) blend containing a Poly(lactic acid)-co-poly(glycolic acid) Copolymer." Polymer Degradation and Stability 170. (2019): 109018. Web.
Tulsyan, Gaurav, Christiaan Richter, and Carlos A. Diaz. "Oxygen Scavengers Based on Titanium Oxide Nanotubes for Packaging Applications." Packaging Science and Technology 30. 6 (2017): 251-256. Print.
Diaz, Carlos A, Sungyoung Kim, and Hsun Yi Pao. "Film Performance of Poly(lactic acid) Blends for Packaging Applications." Journal of Applied Packaging Research 8. 3 (2016): 43-51. Web.
Close, Thomas, et al. "Reversible Oxygen Scavenging at Room Temperature Using Electrochemically Reduced Titanium Oxide Nanotubes." Nature Nanotechnology 10. 5 (2015): 418-422. Print.
Matuana, Laurent M. and Carlos A. Diaz. "Strategy To Produce Microcellular Foamed Poly(lactic acid)/Wood-Flour Composites in a Continuous Extrusion Process." Industrial & Engineering Chemistry 52. 34 (2013): 12032-12040. Web.
Published Conference Proceedings
Diaz, Carlos A., et al. "Thermoformed Containers Based on Starch and Starch/biochar Composites." Proceedings of the 22nd IAPRI World Packaging Conference. Ed. Cristina Guzman Siller. Monterrey, Mexico: Universidad de Monterry, Print.
Hegde, Swati, et al. "Development of a Biodegradable Thermoformed Tray for Food Waste Handling." Proceedings of the 29th IAPRI Symposium on packaging, Enschede, The Netherlands, 11-14 June 2019. Ed. Roland ten Klooster. Enschede, EN: University of Twente, Print.
Nunziato, Ryan, et al. "Mechanical Properties and Anaerobic Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Starch/Polycaprolactone Blends." Proceedings of the 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging. Ed. Zhi-Wei Wang. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications, Inc., Print.
Hegde, Swati, et al. "Anaerobic Biodegradation of Bioplastic Packaging Materials." Proceedings of the 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging. Ed. Zhi-Wei Wang. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications, Inc., Print.
Samadi, Kosar, et al. "Mechanical Behavior and Anaerobic Biodegradation of a Poly(lactic acid) blend containing a Poly(lactic acid)-co-Poly(glycolic acid) Copolymer." Proceedings of the SPE ANTEC 2018. Ed. Society of Plastic Engineers. Orlando, FL: n.p., Print.
Paul, Prashant, Carlos A. Diaz, and Georgios Koutsimanis. "Compatibility of Biodegradeable Polymers with Bread." Proceedings of the 28th IAPRI Symposium on Packaging. Ed. E. Martine and Y. Wyser. Lausanne, Switzerland, ZZ: n.p., Print.
Solis, Marina S. and Carlos A. Diaz. "Heat Seal Strength of Polylactic Acid/Polyhydroxyalkanoate Blends." Proceedings of the 28th IAPRI Symposium on Packaging. Ed. E. Martine and Y. Wyser. Lausanne, Switzerland, ZZ: n.p., Print.
Tulsyan, Gaurav, Christiaan Richter, and Carlos A Diaz. "Oxygen Scavengers Based on Titanium Oxide Nanotubes for Packaging Applications." Proceedings of the 20th IAPRI World Conference on Packaging. Ed. Silvia Tondella Dantas and Luis Madi. Campinas, Sao Paulo: CETEA Packaging Technology Center, Print.
Strachan, Mary, et al. "Surface Response Methodology Approach to Property Improvement in Bioplastics Blends." Proceedings of the 27th IAPRI Symposium on Packaging 2015. Ed. Javier Zabaleta. Valencia, Spain: ITENE - Packaging, Transport and Logistics Research Center, Print.
Diaz, Carlos A, Hsun Yi Pao, and Sungyoung Kim. "Film Performance of Poly(lactic acid) Blends for Packaging Applications." Proceedings of the 19th IAPRI World Conference on Packaging. Ed. M A Sek, V Rouillard, and S W Bigger. Melbourne, Australia, Australia: Victoria University, 2014. Print.
Goodwin, Daniel, et al. "Vibration Performance for Biocushion Materials." Proceedings of the 19th IAPRI World Conference on Packaging. Ed. M A Sek, V Rouillard, and S W Bigger. Melbourne, Australia, Australia: Victoria University, 2014. Print.
Diaz, Carlos A. "Modification of Bio-based Plastics through Microcellular Foaming." Proceedings of the 26th IAPRI Symposium on Packaging 2013. Ed. Mika Vaha-Nissi. Espoo, Finland: n.p., 2013. Print.
Full Patent
Ge, Changfeng, et al. "Formation and Properties of Cellular Foam Fibrous Material." U.S. Patent 10875979. 29 Dec. 2020.
Book Chapter
Nthoiwa, Kereilemang K. M., Carlos A. Diaz, and Yash Chaudhari. "Vinyl Alcohol Polymers." Handbook of Thermoplastics, Second Edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2015. 53-88. Print.

Currently Teaching

ISUS-699
0 Credits
The Sustainability Co-Op is designed to provide Capstone research experience for MS students or enhance the educational experience of PhD students through full-time employment.
ISUS-791
0 Credits
MS or PhD students requiring additional time to complete their thesis
ISUS-807
1 - 9 Credits
Research in fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation or M.S. capstone requirements.
ISUS-890
1 - 9 Credits
Research fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation requirements.
PACK-152
3 Credits
The course develops knowledge and skills in applying two computer software packages for packaging design: Artios CAD and Adobe Illustrator. Topics covered are builder and rebuilder, solid modeling and drawing, animation, coloring, and painting. Emphasis is given to create a typical paperboard based carton with a proper structure and color usage.
PACK-211
3 Credits
The study of packaging materials from extraction through conversion and production, physical and chemical properties and uses. Emphasis is on plastics and metals used in packaging and other component materials. Recognized standard testing procedures are presented and students gain practical experience in the operation of various testing instruments, interpretation of results, and evaluation of properties and performance characteristics.
PACK-599
1 - 3 Credits
Independent study, in consultation with the instructor, on any packaging-related topic. Approvals are necessary from the department chair. (Undergraduate Research and Independent Study (PACK-598 and 599) combined total credit allowed is limited to a maximum of 3 credits. Independent Study total credit limit maximum of eight credits.
PACK-752
3 Credits
The course develops knowledge and skills in applying two computer software packages for packaging design: Artios CAD and Adobe Illustrator. Topics covered are builder and rebuilder, solid modeling and drawing, animation, coloring, and painting. Emphasis is given to create a typical paperboard based carton with a proper structure and color usage.
PACK-790
1 - 6 Credits
A thesis is based on experimental evidence obtained by the candidate in an appropriate topic demonstrating the extension of theory into practice. A written proposal which is defended and authorized by the faculty advisor/committee followed by a formal written thesis and oral presentation of findings are required. Typically the candidate will have completed research methods, data analysis and graduate writing strategies prior to enrolling in this course and will start the thesis process as soon as they have completed these courses to allow them to finish the thesis when they have finished their coursework. The candidate must obtain the approval of their graduate adviser who will guide the thesis before registering for this course.
PACK-791
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
PACK-797
1 - 3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to conduct research, develop a plan and evaluation components and submit the project as a demonstration of final proficiency in the program. The topic selected by the student will be guided by the faculty teaching the class and it will require the student to coalesce and incorporate into the final project a culmination of all their course work in the program to date.
PACK-798
0 Credits
Continuation of Graduate Project

In the News

  • April 23, 2019

    Students and professor stand around pallet with boxes.

    Packaging solutions improve product shelf life and sustainability

    Images of plastic bags and bottles clogging beaches and oceans have some calling for a ban on all such products. But packaging experts say it’s not that easy to eliminate a highly effective material. Instead, researchers at RIT are looking to strike a balance: Find a way to produce plastics that retain their best qualities and yet are more environmentally friendly.