The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $2,500,000 Project Grant under the Congressionally-Identified Projects program (CFDA 11.617) to the University of Maine System (UMS) on September 1, 2024. The purpose of this grant is to expand nanocellulose material measurement, processing, and pilot-scale manufacturing capabilities at the UMS Forest Biomaterials Innovation Center. Key activities include acquiring commercial instrumentation for water vapor transmission, profilometry, and tensiometry testing, as well as procuring new pilot-scale equipment such as a glass reactor, microwave oven, mixers, dryers, and a custom-designed fiberboard manufacturing machine. These expanded capabilities are expected to increase industry interest and accelerate the adoption of nanocellulose additives in materials like fiberboard, packaging, composites, and biomedical products. The intended beneficiaries span the nanocellulose product value chain, including manufacturers, workers, and consumers. The grant period runs through August 31, 2025.
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