Dr Viren Chunilall
CSIR senior researcher
Chunilall’s key competencies include cellulose chemistry, as well as understanding the impact that cellulose ultra-structure has on the accessibility and reactivity of dissolving pulps. He is part of a team of CSIR researchers focusing on pulping, papermaking and biorefinery technologies.
Full Profile
Chunilall holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His areas of interest lie in chromophore identification and isolation from dissolving pulp, investigating new techniques to improve the reactivity of dissolving pulp for conversion into higher-value products and extraction of hydrophilic and lipophilic extractives from sawdust waste for conversion into xylitol and pine-oil.
Academic qualifications:
- BSc, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 1999
- BSc Hons (Chemistry), University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2000
- MSc, (Chemistry) (cum laude), University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2003
- PhD (Cellulose Chemistry), University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009
