In the News
Past PDC Cellulose Nanomaterials Researchers Forum
Each year the PDC hosts an annual gathering of researchers and scientists to showcase their applications using renewable cellulose nanomaterials. Previous Events 2022 Cellulose Nanomaterials Researchers Forum 2021 Cellulose Nanomaterial Researchers Forum 2019 Cellulose Nanomaterial Researchers Forum 2018 Inaugural Cellulose Nanomaterial Researchers Forum
UMaine ascends to highest tier of national research universities
Maine’s research and innovation reputation takes a monumental step forward as the state’s public research university earns an R1 Carnegie Classification, UMaine joins the ranks of the nation’s top 146 doctoral research universities engaged in “very high research activity.” Read more…
News Center Maine reports on Process Development Center pulp machine
News Center Maine reported that the University of Maine’s Process Development Center has a new machine that takes pulp and makes paper plates, bowls and cups. The goal is to eliminate plastics and instead use paper products that serve the same purposes. The machine is the first of its kind at any university in the U.S.
UMaine Process Development Center unveils new capacity for renewable packaging research
Partnership with Kiefel brings state-of-the-art fiber thermoforming machine to Orono The University of Maine Process Development Center (PDC), long recognized for its expertise in processing fiber for pulp and paper applications, is now home to new equipment that will advance renewable packaging research significantly for Maine’s forest products industry. Read more…
UMaine and ORNL Hub & Spoke Partnership
Research collaboration between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and UMaine. The Hub & Spoke partnership between the two organizations began in June 2019 with Phase 1 completion on September 2022. The goal of the partnership between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and UMaine is to accelerate the advancement of nanocellulose and other forest products composite technology, reduce […]
Maine leading country in nanocellulose research
The University of Maine is the only producer of the product nanocellulose, able to produce 1 ton per day in the entire country. https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/tech/science/maine-leading-country-in-nanocellulose-research/97-bc5b9191-0f43-4a8f-8d9e-dc488b859cb8
UMaine hosts Cellulose Nanomaterial Forum
In August, over 50 UMaine scientists gather to share research findings using cellulose nanomaterials during the Inaugural Cellulose Nanomaterial Forum hosted by the Process Development Center. Click here to find out more.
UMaine scientists envision smart mills, new papers for medicine and food packaging
Read article from Bangor Daily News on how UMaine researchers are using new technology to improve processes and products
Local Radio Show “Wild Maine” Interviews PDC Director
In a February 2018 episode of the radio show Wild Maine, host Bob Duschesne sat down with Process Development Center Director Michael Bilodeau to discuss the unusual properties of nanomaterials and the future of Maine’s forest products industry. Bob Duschesne’s Wild Maine airs every Saturday at 9 AM and every Sunday at 8 AM on Sports […]
UMaine’s Hub of Innovation
The autumn issue of MAINE Alumni Magazine reprints Mainebiz‘s August article regarding the PDC’s partnership with Twin Rivers Paper.
Exilva Blog Publishes Article Written by PDC Director Michael Bilodeau
Borregaard’s Exilva blog, one of the web’s leading blogs on nanocellulose, has published an article written by Process Development Center Director Michael Bilodeau. The post, entitled “Improved Paper Surface Properties by Microfibrillated Cellulose,” discusses the innovative use of cellulose nanomaterials as a coating for paper products and the trials recently held by the PDC to evaluate this innovative process. You can […]
PDC Featured in Mainebiz Magazine Cover Story
The relationship between the UMaine Process Development Center and Twin Rivers Paper Co. is highlighted in the cover story of the August 22nd, 2016 issue of Mainebiz magazine. PDC Director Michael Bilodeau was interviewed for the piece, and is even featured on the magazine’s cover. Read the story here. Mainebiz is the premier source for reporting on Maine […]
Feds deliver $7.7MM to diversify Maine’s Economy
The Economic Development Administration announces a new plan and a series of grants intended to boost Maine’s forest products industry during an event held at the Process Development Center.
Effects of cellulosic nanofibrils on papermaking properties of fine papers, TAPPI JOURNAL June 2016
A paper co-authored by PDC researchers Donna Johnson, Mark Paradis, and Mike Bilodeau on the “Effects of cellulosic nanofibrils on papermaking properties of fine papers” is published in the June issue of the TAPPI Journal.
Sen. King highlights the PDC’s work
During an April 12th, 2016 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Maine Sen. Angus King highlights the Process Development Center’s support for Maine’s forest products industry.
The Nip Impressions newsletter highlights the Process Development Center’s latest projects
“In a state where pulp and paper mills are struggling to survive, innovations at the University of Maine Process Development Center offer economically stimulating and environmentally sustaining products from small, but significant, plant sources: one found in trees and plants and another in corn. Michael Bilodeau, PDC Director, cites two ongoing projects as currently being […]