North Carolina State University Demonstrates Feasibility of Producing Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives from Renewable Resources Using Microfluidizer® Processors
Results of producing Microfibrillated Celluloses (MFCs) from wood pulps to be presented via complimentary a webinar on August 25, 2010
Newton, MA (Vocus) August 17, 2010
According to industry analysts, Americans dispose 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, and the annual world consumption of plastic is approaching 100 million tons. Clearly, it is imperative to find a plastic alternative produced from renewable resources. North Carolina State University (NCSU) researchers have demonstrated a viable solution for producing Microfibrillated Celluloses (MFCs) from wood pulps. These MFCs, when produced on a Microfluidizer high shear fluid processor from Microfluidics, have been shown to be biodegradable, energy efficient and strength competitive with currently utilized petroleum-based plastics.
NCSU researcher Kelley Spence will present findings at a complimentary webinar on August 25, 2010 at http://www. microfluidicscorp. com/webinars (http://www. microfluidicscorp. com/webinars). In the webinar, Ms. Spence will detail her study and results toward critical objectives:
Determine the effectiveness of three alternative processing methods (Microfluidization, homogenization and micro-grinding) Develop a more energy-efficient process for biodegradable plastic alternatives (maintain/improve quality of existing materials and prove commercial viability for large-scale manufacturing)
A replay will remain active in the website’s archive following the live event and a written case study is also available online. On September 15, 2010, the Microfluidics Webinar Series will continue with an educational presentation on nanomaterials for applications within the chemical industry such as carbon nanotube dispersions, coatings, inks and more.
About North Carolina State University
With more than 31,000 students and nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, North Carolina State University is a comprehensive university known for its leadership in education and research, and globally recognized for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics leadership.
NC State students, faculty and staff are focused. As one of the leading land-grant institutions in the nation, NC State is committed to playing an active and vital role in improving the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina, the nation and the world.
For more information, please visit http://www. ncsu. edu (http://www. ncsu. edu).
About Microfluidics
Microfluidics International Corporation (OTCBB: MFLU) is the exclusive producer of Microfluidizer® high shear fluid processors for uniform particle size reduction, robust cell disruption and bottom-up nanoparticle creation. Used primarily by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, cosmetic, nutraceutical/food and energy companies to research, develop and improve products with efficient processes, more than 3,000 Microfluidizer processors are installed at customer sites in 50 countries around the world. The innovative Microfluidics Technology Center, located at the company’s headquarters outside Boston, Mass., is staffed by expert engineers with a wide range of nanotechnology and application experience for Proof of Concept and Process Development services.
By producing smaller particle sizes and a more narrow distribution than other technologies, with scaleup from lab to production guaranteed, Microfluidics enables companies to create tiny particles that achieve big results. To learn more, visit http://www. microfluidicscorp. com (http://www. microfluidicscorp. com).
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