University of Maine is one of only 13 University-based Wood Utilization Research (WUR) Centers. In addition to our research function, part of our mission is to educate and train students in the field of Forest Products. Research from prior University of Maine Wood Utilization Research (WUR) grants has resulted in the efforts ranging from the development of new types of stronger wood structural composites using underutilized wood species to the development of new ways to prevent pollution and waste. The specific research objective that this research falls under is to improve the utilization of timber in the United States, and specifically, the utilization of timber resources in the northeastern United States.

UMaine WUR Research Impact 2008-2009     UMaine WUR Research Impact 2006-2007

UMaine 2006 WUR Report      Letter of Recommendation 1        Letter of Recommendation 2




Current UMaine WUR research is broken out into the following 7 important research areas that will provide national benefits and also specific benefits to the northeast region of the US.

Because of the energy crisis facing the United States, improving the utilization of our forests, particularly as it relates to the conservation of energy and the production of bio-based products, is critical at this time. This research is also important because wood is one of the few natural resources that we produce in the United States for structural purposes and our research focuses not just on ways to make better products from wood, but on products that are produced in a sustainable manner.

 

  • Improved Utilization of Biomass for Bioproducts;

  • Environmentally Friendly Wood Protection;

  • New Products from Wood Plastic Composites;

  • Carbon Nanotubes from Renewable Resources;

  • Biodegradation and Bioprocessing;

  • Reduction of Air Pollution Associated with Wood Drying;

  • Producing Better Wood Composites by Understanding Strand Placement.

Please click here to download a more detailed Powerpoint overview (~ 4.2 MB) about our WUR research programs.


Please visit the web sites below for other WUR related programs:

UMaine Wood Science and Technology

UMaine Advanced Enginered Wood Composites Center

National Wood Utilization Research (WUR) Centers

 

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