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 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.
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.
Posted August 17th, 2010