Zeolite Composite Materials for Waste Odor Control
A composite material for environmental odor control is useful in controlling odors from waste, for example, as an alternative daily cover for landfills and in composting applications. The composite material includes a fiber web and a zeolite containing metals to promote absorption of odorous has.
US Patent 8,100,605
UMaine Reference: 2008-35
Inventors: Karl Bishop, Susan Mackay, Michael Bilodeau
License exculsively to Zeomatrix
Fire Resistant Cellulose Insulation
End users and installers of insulation want a product that is affordable, efficient and safe. Cellulose insulation, generally produced from recycled wood fiber, is affordable and outperforms fiberglass in extreme weather. But cellulose has poor insect resistance and fire retardant qualities without the addition of toxic chemicals. Additionally, the cellulose insulation manufacturing process currently used creates a product prone to settling, which is bad for the homeowner, and dust, which is bad for the installer. ProCell Insulation solves all of these problems, making it a very attractive choice compared to fiberglass and other cellulose insulation brands.
The technology was developed at UMaine in collaboration with the company founders. Company is currently developing manufacturing and distribution networks. Learn more at procellinsulation.com
UMaine Tech ID 2009-34
US Patent Number 8,043,384
Analyze Samples in the Lab or Field with this New Portable Fluorescence Spectrometer
PROBLEM: 1.) Important science topics are sometimes not addressed in high schools because spectroscopy instruments are too expensive to purchase and maintain 2.) Field technicians have to take water and soil samples to a lab for spectroscopy analysis, adding time and complication 3.) Valuable data is not available from remote sensors due to spectrometer power and durability limitations.
SOLUTION: A portable, durable florescence spectrometer that costs 50% less than comparable instruments in most applications due to its novel design and simple components.
Netforms Pre-Fab Roofing Panels Reduce Construction and Heating Costs
PROBLEM: Insulated, ventilated roofs, particularly those covering open floor plans and cathedral ceilings, are difficult and expensive to build.
SOLUTION: These economical prefabricated panels incorporate wood I-joist framing, OSB sheathing, insulation and ventilation into a single product to be used in light-frame construction applications.
TECH ID: 2008-34
PATENT: US 8,046,969; US 8,141,313
LINK:
DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Undetermined. Has been successfully demonstrated, but on hold given the current downturn in construction.
Environmentally Friendly Pollutant Remediation, Dye Decolorization
PROBLEM: Organic pollutants and dyes from textile and paper plants in industrial waste streams need remediation.
SOLUTION: Using the chemically enhanced Fenton system, dyes can be remediated quickly in an environmentally safe manner.
New Composites Made from up to 60% Inexpensive, Raw Plant Material
PROBLEM: Composite manufacturers need ways to improve extruded thermoplastics using inexpensive, environmentally friendly ingredients and without slowing process time.
Low Maintainance Sheet Piling Reduces Life Cycle Costs of Retaining Walls
WPC Pile Extrusion on lab scale & extruded sheet piles
UMaine WPC sheet piling demonstration project
PROBLEM: Commonly available sheet piling used for retaining walls corrodes, increasing maintenance costs and reducing the useful life of the construction. These problems are heightened in a marine environment.
SOLUTION: Our patented wood composite sheet piling system does not corrode, which reduces overall life cycle costs. Additionally it is chemically inert and 100% recyclable.
A Stronger, Simpler Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly
Membrane technology first developed to create artificial muscles may soon be used to improve fuel cells. Pictured above is a fuel cell membrane manufactured using this new method. Resulting surface porosity (a) and a deeply diffused conductive area (light lines in b) increase surface area available for electricity production and create a stonger, simpler, long-lasting membrane.
PROBLEM: Manufacturers of low temperature fuel cells need solutions for improving the strength, durability and manufacturability of a key component, the membrane electrode assembly, or MEA.
Fire Proof Paint
A fire resistant paint includes a film-forming binder, a solvent, and a hydrated mineral that imparts fire resistance to the paint. The paint, when applied to a fibrous composite article which comprises at least about 20 wt % lignocellulosic fibers bound together into a consolidated fibrous article, provides the article with a flame spread index of not greater than about 50.
Inventors: Mike Bilodeau, Mark Paradis
atent Pending, Canada and US 13/061,583
UMaine Reference: 2008-26
Contact Kris Burton
COMpris: A New Method to Manufacture Stronger and Thicker Composites
A solution for simplifying manufacturing of utility-scale wind turbine blades?
PROBLEM: Manufacturers of large composite components such as boats or wind blades are currently limited to using non-recyclable materials and labor intensive manufacturing processes.
