Researchers find nearly 500% increase in surface area compared to unmodified CNF

Researchers from the University of Maine, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have published a journal article titled, “Polymer-Grafted Cellulose Nanofibrils with Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility for Stronger Poly(lactic acid) Composites” in Applied Polymer Materials on their work developing polymer-grafted cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) for stronger poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. This research, which is a […]

Unlocking the Potential of Hydrophobic Cellulose Nanofibrils: Enhancing Composite Reinforcement and Drying Behavior

An article by ASCC researchers Megan Driscoll, Peter Kelly, and William Gramlich was published in Langmuir. Titled “Impact of Aqueous Grafting of Polystyrene through Methacrylate-Modified Cellulose Nanofibrils on Emulsion Stabilization and Drying Behavior”, this research explores how the hydrophobic modification of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) releases the capability for composite reinforcement including CNFs without energy-demanding spray […]

The UMaine Hub and Spoke Program and Muddy River Farms innovates Maine’s marine resources industry

Last year was nearly the warmest year on record for the Gulf of Maine, second only to 2021. The rapid warming is impacting marine ecosystems and coastal areas and bringing changes to Maine’s fisheries. In addition to impacts associated with climatic change, the state’s fisheries are contending with food chain disruptions, fuel prices, overfishing of […]

Dr. Susan MacKay featured on Composites Weekly Podcast

Dr. Susan MacKay featured on Composites Weekly Podcast Orono, Maine – ASCC researcher Dr. Susan MacKay was recently featured on the Composites Weekly podcast, a news and information podcast designed for the composites and advanced materials industry. MacKay joined host Jonathan Taylor for an episode titled “Discussing Bio-Based & Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing with Dr. Susan […]

Hub and Spoke Program offers Research Experience for Undergraduates

Orono, Maine – The Hub and Spoke Program at the ASCC is offering a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program. The deadline to apply is coming up on March 1st! The Hub and Spoke REU program is designed to provide an opportunity for twelve, highly qualified undergraduate students to participate in a ten-week research […]

UMaine Awarded $7.6 million for Hub and Spoke Program with Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Orono, Maine – The University of Maine System was awarded $7.6 million from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for Phase 3 of the Hub and Spoke Program. This phase will focus on continuing the development of sustainable structurally reinforced materials while expanding into functionally modified bio-based materials using a wider range of material systems, and […]

ASCC welcomes undergraduate student researcher as full-time hire to support bio-based housing initiative

ASCC Updates ASCC welcomes undergraduate student researcher as full-time hire to support bio-based housing initiative ORONO, Maine 𑁋 The Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) is pleased to announce the recent hire of Claire Liedtka as an engineer working with the Hub & Spoke Program, a partnership between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the […]

Work done through the Hub & Spoke program covered in Composites World

Work done through the Hub & Spoke program covered in Composites World Orono, Maine — For years the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) has worked with bio-based additive manufacturing technology and materials to create more sustainable feedstocks for small and large-scale additive manufacturing. Through the Hub & Spoke program, the ASCC has closely worked […]

Advanced Structures & Composites Center

Hub and Spoke