Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Subprojects in this Progress Report summary are separated by the @ symbol. @ In research on the production of Woody Biomass as a Source of High-Value Products The objective of the project wass to develop technologies to use underutilized woody biomass to produce high-value materials or biofuels. @ In the project on development of wood-composite roofing panel system, In partnership with APA - The Engineered Wood Association and one of their glulam manufacturer members (American Laminators in Drain, OR), a manufacturing/testing program was set up in attempts to qualify an FRP glulam bonded with an EPI adhesive. @ In the project on a carrier system for cellulose nanofibrils in thermoplastic composites. Effects of polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) and surfactants (treatment) on mechanical, rheological, thermal properties and morphology of polypropylene/ cellulose nanofibers filled thermoplastic starch (CNTPS) were studied. PP-g-MA and surfactants were added to the cellulose/thermoplastic starch mixture via melt compounding to promote matrix-filler dispersion and compatibility under shear mixing and temperature. Although the incorporation of C-CNTPS (compatibilized) and T-CNTPS (treated) had negatively affected tensile modulus and strength, the flexural modulus and strength of the composites increased compared to neat polypropylene with T-CNTPSs and C-CNTPS. The density of C-CNTPS and T-CNTPSs showed higher density in comparison with neat IMPP because of the higher density of starch and cellulose. The MFI values of C-CNTPS and T-CNTPS composites showed similar MFI values compared to non-modified composites and neat polypropylene. T-CNTPSs filled composites did not have a significant effect on the melting and crystallization temperature of composites. T-CNTPSs and C-CNTPS composites showed good dispersions and a strong adhesion between the functionalized carrier systems and the matrix. @In the project on production of biofuels from lignocellulosic materials using algal fermentation, levoglucosan has been proved to be equivalent to glucose when used as the carbon source for heterotrophic growth of Chlorella protothecoides. @In the project molecular and biochemical investigations of wood biodegradation, the primary investigator left the university and there was no activity on the project. @ In the project Residential wood burning stoves ash formation and corrosion formation. In the past two years the European Union has focused substantial efforts on insuring that pellets made from woody biomass meets stringent standards that prohibit heavy metals and extraneous materials from being introduced into the fuel pellet process. The United States in following suit and this work will provide manufacturers with foundational materials such heavy metals content, residual carbon and other materials that lead to sinter and slag. @The project on Steam Injection Pressing of Extracted Wood Strands it was determined that exposure of wood to steam pressures up to 75 psig for up to 10 minutes did not change the wood weight unless the material was subsequently washed with hot water. The subsequent wash removed up to 2% by weight of material. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in the project include faculty co-PI's who planned and directed research activities. They include Drs. Barbara Cole, Habib Dagher, Douglas Gardner, Robert Rice, Stephen Shaler and Xinfeng Xie. Administrative activities were conducted by Dr. Stephen Shaler. Staff members involved in the conduct of research include Johanna Brazier, Russell Edgar, Jon Hill, Dr. Yousoo Han, and Chris West. Partner organizations: Five companies have provided in-kind support through providing materials, discussion of research methodology and suggestion of additional experimental approaches to provide results more applicable to industrial needs. Training and professional development was provided for 8 undergraduate students who conducted laboratory experiments. In addition, support was provided for 4 graduate students (2 MS and 2 PhD). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include forest products manufacturing firms, neutraceutical firms interested in biologically derived products, and bioenergy manufacturing facilities in Maine and the northeastern United States. Efforts to include these audiences included personal contact with company representatives and presentations at conferences at which such individuals are in attendance. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Two faculty members (Dr. Jellison and Dr. Goodell) left the University. The sub-project molecular and biochemical investigations of wood biodegradation was completed prior to Dr. Jellison leaving. No additional work was conducted during this time period. The sub-project entitled production of biofuels from lignocellulosic materials using algal fermentation was completed by Dr. Xinfeng Xie.
Impacts
Subprojects in this Impact Statement are separated by the @ symbol. @ Continued analysis of species from the Northeast as well as the development of novel approaches for assessment developed during this research are showing favorable results. In particular, a simple method of assessing the chemical composition of the ash that leads to sinter and slagging has been developed and will be published in the near term. The goal is to give New England wood pellet manufacturers competitive advantages due to the species mix and quality of raw materials used to manufacture fuels. @ A method for the isolation of pure shikimic acid, a valuable precursor to Tamiflu, from conifer foliage was developed. Scale up to pilot levels is currently underway. @ This study provided an initial insight into the use and characteristics of functionalized a novel carrier system to create compatibility between the cellulose nanofibrils suspension and hydrophobic polymer matrices. @ Levoglucosan is the major product of pyrolysis of biomass, an approach faster than hydrolysis to break down biomass into small molecules for biofuel production. The study demonstrated combination of fast pyrolysis of biomass and algal fermentation had great potential for efficient transformation of biomass into liquid biofuels. @ The positive results of the adhesive qualification testing makes it much more likely that FRP glulam technology will be successfully commercialized within the U.S. Previous obstacles related to use of a process-sensitive primer have been overcome. Use of epoxies (expensive, non-water soluble, difficulty in passing cyclic delamination tests) have been eliminated. The application of EPI adhesives to wood-FRP bonds was a significant change in knowledge, and the industry will now likely adapt this technology in future development of FRP glulams.
Publications
- Jonathan Spender, Alexander L. Dermers, Xinfeng Xie, Amos E. Cline, M. Alden Earle, Lucas D. Ellis, and David J. Neivandt. 2012. Method for production of polymer and carbon nanofibers from water-soluble polymers. Nano Letters. 12: 3857-3860.
- Daniel C. Eastwood, Dimitrios Floudas, Manfred Binder, Andrzej Majcherczyk, Patrick Schneider, Andrea Aerts, Fred O. Asiegbu, Scott E. Baker, Kerrie Barry, Mika Bendiksby, Melanie Blumentritt, Pedro M. Coutinho, Dan Cullen, Ronald P. de Vries, Allen Gathman, Barry Goodell, Bernard Henrissat, Katarina Ihrmark, Havard Kauserud, Annegret Kohler, Kurt LaButti, Alla Lapidus, Jose L. Lavin, Yong-Hwan Lee, Erika Lindquist, Walt Lilly, Susan Lucas, Emmanuelle Morin, Claude Murat, Jose A. Oguiza, Jongsun Park, Antonio G. Pisabarro, Robert Riley, Anna Rosling, Asaf Salamov, Olaf Schmidt, Jeremy Schmutz, Inger Skrede, Jan Stenlid, Ad Wiebenga, Xinfeng Xie, Ursula Kues, David S. Hibbett, Dirk Hoffmeister, Nils Hogberg, Francis Martin, Igor V. Grigoriev, Sarah C. Watkinson. 2011. The plant cell wall-decomposing machinery underlies the functional diversity of forest fungi. Science. 333: 762-765.
- Functionalized carrier systems for cellulose nanofibrils designed for polymer composites. 2011 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials, Washington D.C., USA, 6-8 June 2011.
- Functionalized carrier systems for cellulose nanofibrils designed for polypropylene composites, in the SPE Polymer Nanocomposites Conference, Bethlehem, PA, USA, March 7-9 2011.
- Earles, M, A Halog, and S Shaler. 2011. Improving the environmental profile of wood panels via co-production of ethanol and acetic acid. Environmental Science & Technology. 45(22):9743-9749.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Subprojects in this Progress Report summary are separated by the @ symbol. @In research on the production of Woody Biomass as a Source of High-Value Products substantial progress has been made on extracting and purifying shikimic acid, a valuable precursor to Tamiflu, from conifer foliage. @In the project on development of wood-composite roofing panel system, design of the roof panel system was finalized based on the research accomplished under this grant. @In the project on a carrier system for cellulose nanofibrils in thermoplastic composites, the effects of polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) and surfactants on mechanical, rheological, thermal properties and morphology of impact modified polypropylene/cellulose nanofibril thermoplastic starch (IMPP/CNTPS) were studied. PP-g-MA and surfactants were added to the cellulose/thermoplastic starch mixture via melt compounding to promote matrix-filler dispersion and compatibility under shear mixing and temperature. @In the project on production of biofuels from lignocellulosic materials using algal fermentation, the algal oil extracted from Chlorella protothecoides grown on glucose contains up to 816mg neutral lipids per gram of the oil. @In the molecular and biochemical investigations of wood biodegradation, the induction of genes for oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase and glyoxylate dehydrogenase by carbon, nitrogen, and metals were studied. @The Environmental Protection Agency is putting increased focus on residential wood stoves and has issued a policy statement preliminary to increased regulation of the inputs and output of wood burning stoves. Recent studies are finding substantial amounts of heavy metals in pellet furnish from the Central and Southern US. It is also now clear from our research that temperature and species are critical for both ash formation and corrosion formation. @The use of low pressure steam (< 15 psig) to modify strands prior to the use in strand composite manufacture was evaluated. A generally increasing trend of weight loss vs. steam time was determined up to two hours. However, steaming at 14 psi (~250 F) induces a weight loss of less than 3% after 2 hours of steaming. The pH of extracted aspen strands were significantly lower (~ 4) than the unextracted material (pH ~ 5). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in the project include faculty co-PI's who planned and directed research activities. They include Dr. Barbara Cole, Habib Dagher, Douglas Gardner, Barry Goodell, Jody Jellison, Robert Rice, Stephen Shaler and Xinfeng Xie. Administrative activities were conducted by Dr. Stephen Shaler. Staff members involved in the conduct of research include Johanna Brazier, Russell Edgar, Jon Hill, Dr. Yousoo Hon, Joan Perkins, and Chris West. Partner organizations: Five companies have provided in-kind support through providing materials, discussion of research methodology and suggestion of additional experimental approaches to provide results more applicable to industrial needs. Training and professional development was provided for 8 undergraduate students who conducted laboratory experiments. In addition, support was provided for 4 graduate students (2 MS and 2 PhD). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include forest products manufacturing firms, neutraceutical firms interested in biologically derived products, and bioenergy manufacturing facilities in Maine and the northeastern United States. Efforts to include these audiences included personal contact with company representatives and presentations at conferences at which such individuals are in attendance. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Subprojects in this Impact Statement are separated by the @ symbol. @Significant amounts of shikimic acid, a valuable precursor to Tamiflu, can be extracted from the foliage of northeastern conifer species. This provides the wood products industry with a potential high-value product from underutilized biomass. @ The patent originally filed for the panel system was modified after the intial patent review. Based on the most recent communications between UMaine's patent lawyer and the US Patent Office, some essential claims will be allowed and the patent will be issued. @ Although the incorporation of C-CNTPS (compatibilized) and T-CNTPS (treated) had negatively affected tensile modulus and strength, the flexural modulus and strength of the composites increased compared to neat IMPP with T-CNTPSs and C-CNTPS. The density of C-CNTPS and T-CNTPSs showed higher density in comparison with neat IMPP because of the higher density of starch and cellulose. The MFI values of C-CNTPS and T-CNTPSs composites showed similar melt flow index (MFI) values compared to non-modified composites and neat IMPP. T-CNTPS- filled composites did not have a significant effect on the melting and crystallization temperature of composites. T-CNTPSs and C-CNTPS composites showed good dispersions and a strong adhesion between the functionalized carrier systems and the matrix. @ Growth of algae on lignocellulosic sugars is an effective and environmentally friendly approach to transfer the solar energy store in woody biomass into liquid fuels. @ To study the genes involved in oxalic acid synthesis can help us understand the role of oxalate in wood brown rot decay. The findings can be used to develop targeted and environmentally appropriate wood preservatives. @ Continued analysis of species from the Northeast as well as the development of novel approaches for assessment developed during this research are showing favorable results. New England wood pellet manufacturers are likely to have several competitive advantages due to the species mix and quality of raw materials used to manufacture fuels. @ The use of steam to reduce density of Aspen strands was determined to not be feasible at pressures below 15 psig. Higher pressure conditions will need to be evaluated.
Publications
- Kiziltas, A., Y. Han, D. J. Gardner, and J. W. Nader. 2010. Development of a Carrier System for Cellulose Nanofibrils (CN) in Polymer Composites. In: Proceedings of the International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe:Timber Committee October 11-14, 2010, Geneva, Switzerland Paper WS-43 1-10.
- Davids, W.G., Rancourt, D.G. and Dagher, H.J. 2011. Bending Performance of Composite Wood I-Joist/OSB Panel Assemblies. Forest Products Journal (in press).
- Rice, R. W. 2011. Changes in Thermal Energy with Moisture Content for Representative Wood Pellet Fuels in the Northeast. Forest Products Journal. 60(7)
- Rice, R. W. and Ning Lu 2011. Safety Issues in Wood Pellet Processing and Storage. Heating the Northeast. Manchester, New Hampshire. April 14. (presentation) The research on woody biomass as a source of high-value products has been reported in a variety of newspapers and magazines including the Portland Press Herald, the Kennebec Journal, the Bangor Daily News, Downeast Magazine, and the Herbal Journal. In addition, interviews related to the project have appeared on the WLBZ TV (Bangor, ME) and WABI TV (Bangor, ME) TV news broadcasts.
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Subprojects in this progress summary are separated by the @ symbol. Research on the use of woody biomass for high-value products suggest that relatively high levels of valuable compounds can be extracted from the bark and foliage of northeastern conifer species. @ In the project on development of wood-composite roofing panels, a new wood-based composite roofing panel has been developed that is 59% stronger than conventional I-joist construction and incorporates insulation and internal venting. Full-scale static bending and flexure creep testing have been conducted to assess its performance, and preliminary load-span tables have been developed to facilitate design with the new panels. @ Progress on development of a carrier system for cellulose nanofibrils (CN) examined thermoplastic starch for use as a carrier to prevent nanofibril agglomeration and improved dispersion in thermoplastic matrices. @ In the project on production of biofuels from lignocellulosic materials via algal fermentation, growth of Chlorella protothecoides on pure xylose was not observed under heterotrophic growth conditions, but was under autotrophic growth conditions. Different oil extraction methods have been tested on selected algal species, and a lipid yield of 19% of the dried algae biomass was obtained using our current heterotrophic growth conditions. Three 100-liter bioreactors were set up in the laboratory for larger scale cultivation. @ The genes for oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase and glyoxylate dehydrogenase have been isolated and sequenced from the brown rot fungus Postia placenta and their induction by carbon, nitrogen and metals investigated. @ Problems with corrosion in wood pellet stoves continue to escalate so this research is particularly timely. The project is ongoing with data being collected and analysis of chemical constituents performed. @ A steam injection press was installed and was used to simultaneously monitor internal vapor pressure and temperature. Panels were produced from Aspen strands which had been modified by both hot water and saturated steam extraction methods for a range of conditions. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Subprojects in this Impact Statement are separated by the @ symbol. Extraction and isolation of high-value chemicals from wood and biomass for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals would provide a revenue stream to complement the existing wood products industry. @ Due to their increased capacity and integral insulation, wood-based roofing panels could have a significant impact on roof construction for light commercial and residential structures. Competing Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) panels are more difficult to erect and cannot span large distances. @ There was no consistent or significant influence of CN-filled thermoplastic starch on glass transition, crystallization and melting temperatures of composites. Overall, CN-filled thermoplastic starch composites showed comparable or lower mechanical properties compared to control samples without added compatibilizers. @ Growth of algae on lignocellulosic sugars is an effective and environmentally friendly method to transfer the solar energy stored in woody biomass into liquid fuels and other high value products. @ The isolation and analysis of genes involved in oxalic acid synthesis can help us understand the role of oxalate in brown rot decay of wood and ultimately contribute to the development of targeted and environmentally appropriate wood preservatives. @ Information related to corrosion and slag in both wood pellet and corn burning stoves continues to be developed. Early results show that certain corrosion forming elements, such as chlorine, have much lower levels than expected in species from the Northeast. This positive result is encouraging and suggests that New England wood pellet manufacturers may have a competitive advantage in the marketplace. @ The mechanical and physical performance of panels from hot water extracted material was not found to be significantly different for steam injection pressing compared to conventional hot platen pressing.
Publications
- Davids, W.G., Rancourt, D., Dagher, H.J. (2010). Performance of Prefabricated Composite I-Joist/OSB Panels for Roof Construction. Presented at the Forest Products Society 64th International Convention, Madison, WI, June 20-22.
- Xinfeng Xie and Barry Goodell. 2010. Preparation of Algal Cells for Bio-Oil Extraction. Provisional application. Serial No: 61/381590.
- Malyon, G., S. LaBarre, N. Kervarec, P. Carey, J. McGeehan, X. Xie, A. Kluppel, S. Cragg. 2010. New insights from NMR, FTIR, X-ray diffraction and physical chemistry into digestive processes in the wood-boring marine crustacean Limnoria quadripunctata. International Research Group on Wood Preservation IRG/WP 10-10732.
- Kiziltas, A., Y. Han, D. J. Gardner, and J. W. Nader. 2010. Development of a Carrier System for Cellulose Nanofibrils (CN) in Polymer Composites. In: Proceedings of the International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe - Timber Committee October 11-14, 2010, Geneva, Switzerland Paper WS-43 1-10.
- Oliver, J. P., J. Perkins and J. Jellison. 2010. Effect of fungal pretreatment of wood on successional decay by several inky cap mushroom species. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation In press.
- Arantes, V., B.Goodell, A. M. F. Milagres, Y. Qian, T. Filley, J. Jellison and S.Kelley. 2010. Fungal attack on lignin and cellulose: elucidation of brown and white rot mechanisms comparing biomimetic and in-vivo degradation patterns. Series Document IRG/WP 10-10714. Paper prepared for the 41st Annual Meeting International Research Group on Wood Protection, Biarritz, France, 9-13 May 2010 Invited Plenary Presentation
- Xie, Y., Y.Xiao, B. Goodell, J. Jellison, H.Militz and C. Mai. 2010. Degradation of wood veneers by Fenton's reagents: Effects of wood constituents and low molecular weight phenolic compounds on hydrogen peroxide decomposition and wood tensile strength loss Holzforschung,Vol. 64, In press. Smith, K. W. Shortle, J. Connolly and J. Jellison. 2009. Calcium fertilization increases the concentration of calcium in sapwood and calcium oxalate in foliage of red spruce. Environmental and Experimental Botany.67:277-283.
- Xie, X, R. Well, Z. Xiao,B. Goodell, J. Jellison H. Militz, and C. Mai 2009. Degradation of wood veneers by Fenton's reagents: effects of low molecular weight phenolic compounds on hydrogen peroxide decay and tensile strength International Research Group on Wood Protection, May, 2009. Series Document: 09-20400
- Ning Lu and R. W. Rice 2010. Demand Drivers And Price Supports For Bioethanol Use As Fuel In The United States - A Brief Review. Forest Products Journal. 60(2), pp 126-132.
- Trask, Keith, Robert Rice, Scott Anchors and R. Lilieholm. 2009. Management Styles of Lumber Mill Managers in the Northern United States. Forest Products Journal 59(3), pp 29-34.
- Rice, R. W. 2010. BCAP-Impending Changes and MC Considerations. NERCOFE Workshop. Wells Conference Center, University of Maine. March 9.
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