Zhang Lina

Zhang Lina (Chinese: 张俐娜; pinyin: Zhāng Lìnà; 14 August 1940 – 17 October 2020) was a Chinese physical chemist specializing in polymer science. She graduated from Wuhan University in 1963^[2][3] and later became a professor at the university's School of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences of Wuhan University.^[4] In 2011, she was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, becoming the first woman from Wuhan University to receive this honor.^[5] Zhang served on the editorial boards of Cellulose, the Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, and Acta Polymerica Sinica.^[4]

Zhang Lina founded the Natural Polymer and Polymer Physics Research Group in 1993 and has been committed to fundamental and applied research of biomass resources and natural macromolecular material science.^[5][6][7] She solved the problem of the poorest soluble biomass macromolecule.^[7] The cellulose is a rich renewable resource on the earth, but the use of traditional manufacturing technology can harm the sustainable development of the environment. Zhang broke through the traditional method of polymer dissolution by heating and successfully dissolved cellulose and chitin using NaOH / urea solution at low temperature.^[8] Using Zhang's technology can reduce the generation of white pollution, and the materials generated using Zhang's technology can be completely degraded within a month. This technology makes the recycling of biomass wastes possible and renewable resources can be better utilized.^[8] Zhang pioneered new technology for low-temperature dissolution of polymers.^[9]

Throughout her career, Zhang published over 530 papers in international journals and was granted nearly 100 patents. Her work is highly influential in the field of "Self-healing hydrogels" and "Regenerated cellulose," with her top-cited paper, Rapid dissolution of cellulose in LiOH/urea and NaOH/urea aqueous solutions, receiving over 1,200 citations.^[10]

Zhang's most significant contribution was the development of a "green" method to dissolve cellulose. Unlike traditional methods that use high heat and toxic chemicals (the Viscose process), Zhang discovered that a pre-cooled aqueous solution of LiOH/urea or NaOH/urea could rapidly dissolve cellulose at low temperatures (around $-12$°C). This discovery is considered a milestone in polymer science because it allows for the creation of biodegradable films and fibers without environmental pollution.^[11]

On March 27, 2011, Zhang Lina won 2011 Anselme Payen award as a professor of Wuhan University and the first Chinese won this award.^[5][12]

Zhang has published 530 papers, authored 16 books, and been granted nearly 100 domestic and international patents.^[13]

In 2006, Zhang wrote book Natural polymer modified materials and applications.^[14]

In 2007, Zhang wrote book Natural Polymer Science and Materials.^[14]

In 2011, Zhang wrote book Environmentally friendly materials based on biomass.^[14]

In 2015, Zhang wrote book Cellulose Science and Materials.^[14]

In 2011, she became the first Chinese scientist to receive the Anselme Payen Award, the highest international honor in the field of cellulose and renewable materials, awarded by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The award included a bronze medal and a $3,000 honorarium.^[15]