Barry Goodell, a professor of wood science and
technology in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and
Agriculture; Roberto Lopez-Anido, associate professor of civil and
environmental engineering in the College of Engineering, and Ben
Herzog, a former UMaine grad student now working as a scientist with
APA – The Engineered Wood Association, were granted a patent for their
Composites Pressure Resin Infusion System, or ComPRIS.
The process promises distinct advantages over such
conventional methods as hand layup and vacuum resin transfer, the
researchers say. The use of pressure produces a more consistent, evenly
distributed resin infusion that saves both money and labor and is
environmentally safer than other methods. It also allows fabricators to
produce more complex infusions, including simultaneous laminating and
reinforcement of other materials.
Goodell, one of the four founding faculty members of
UMaine’s world-class composites center, says the ComPRIS technology can
produce very thick composite products without the microscopic voids
caused by a vacuum process. Wood products can also be reinforced and
laminated at the same time. When properly infiltrated with resin, wood
becomes more stable and decay-resistant, thereby eliminating or
reducing the need for preservative treatments.
Although the AEWC Center does not produce composites
commercially, it does make prototype products to attract industrial
partners who can help develop the technology.
Source : The University of Maine
