The University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) will upgrade its Technology Research Center (TRC) in Old Town and Process Development Center (PDC) in Jenness Hall to bolster ongoing efforts to create new bioproducts, increase production and find uses for woody biomass materials typically considered waste.
To meet the increasing need for sustainable and efficient fuel resources, Defense Logistics Agency Energy is teaming with the University of Maine to transform forest residues, sawmill residues, municipal solid waste, and construction wood wastes into a hydrocarbon fuel oil.
“Biomaterials that address existing and emerging challenges in human health are in high demand, and this is another area in which nanocellulose shows real promise.” Nanocellulose can be used in many applications, but new nanocellulose composite material developed at UMaine is engineered to contain a similar structure to bone which could lead to health care […]
Biofine Developments Northeast Inc. of Bangor has formed a partnership with Sprague Resources LP to produce a patented biofuel made from forest product waste. A research and development company that has spent nearly 20 years honing new ways to turn woody waste into commercially viable energy and chemicals says it is close to building a […]
This Age of Nature lecture presentation is organized by Maine Public. Age of Nature is an upcoming TV series on PBS and will air locally on Maine Public Television. Maine Public has partnered with The Nature Conservancy in Maine, as well as the Maine Education Association and the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, to put together a series […]
From WashingtonExaminer The Maine Climate Council has suggested a strategy that draws on the potential for constructing fuel efficient, modestly priced homes with locally sourced wood to help address the state’s affordable housing shortage while boosting the economy. Sustainably harvested wood – particularly when transport is minimal – is more sensible when compared with steel […]
From NewsCenter Maine Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development says it is starting to partner with companies as the commercialization biofuels progress in Maine. “It’s really about diversification of our heritage industries,” says Commissioner Heather Johnson. “We have a bunch of wood residuals… to support long term reductions in greenhouse gases and additives to […]
From 3DPrint.com What’s particularly interesting is the approach with materials that is being taken for large-scale additive manufacturing in boat building. While typical molds are expensive and time-consuming to manufacture, this 3D printed is focused on producing large-scale structures using thermoplastics combined with bio-based (cellulose nanofibers (CNF), or wood cellulose) materials. These materials would provide comparable […]
From Mainebiz The University of Maine has received a patent for a process that creates construction materials using an environmentally friendly binding agent. The process developed by UMaine researchers eliminates the use of formaldehyde as a binding agent for construction materials such as particleboard, and replaces it with a slurry of cellulose nanofibrils, according to […]
From Mainebiz A collaboration between Poland Spring Bottling Co. and the University of Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Research Institute aims to develop bio-based materials that could serve as alternative packaging for Poland Spring products. The expanded use of forest-based biomass in areas such as packaging, infrastructure, equipment and biofuels is a key development objective for the Maine […]