Genetic optimization of biomass is necessary to improve the rates and final yields of sugar release from woody biomass. Areas that would benefit from genetic optimization include growth rate environmental stress tolerance yields of easily fermentable polysaccharides total lignin content lowering biomass recalcitrance to fermentation and wood density. Successful application of biotechnology requires both gene discovery and a proper means for gene expression control.
Cellulosic biomass is not dense enough to be transported economically over long distances. The treated biomass must be compressed to increase its density. However when compressed the biomass tends not to bind sufficiently. Additionally current additives used to increase binding characteristics of the biomass are expensive. Michigan State University’s invention allows for the inexpensive binding of cellulosic biomass. This invention adds value to the Gaseous Ammonia Pretreatment (GAP) process (090068) developed by the inventor.
Background: Epoxies are thermosetting polymers formed through the combination of a resin and a hardener. They are extensively used for coatings for adhesives and as a base for composite materials. Epoxies are recognized for their versatility high tensile strength and high temperature resistance. However due to environmental and health concerns there is a growing demand for epoxies that are safer for both the user and environment. Description: Michigan State University’s technology is the formulation of an eco-friendly epoxy.
This technology provides a carbon nanotube composite matrix which improves thermal conductivity and heat dissipation compared to existing commercially available material. Carbon nanotubes can be organized in a random or specific alignment to fit the needs of the application. Because the melting point of carbon nanotubes (> 2000F) far exceeds traditional metals the composite provides a material that can withstand higher temperatures is able to conduct heat at an accelerated rate.
Background: As petroleum usage continues to increase and reserves of petroleum continue to be depleted polymer manufacturers seek alternative methods for making useful materials currently derived from petroleum raw materials. Because of a personal desire to help understand and exploit \\\'green\\\' technologies the inventor of this technology has been studying bio-based material sciences since 2000. After a few years of work and several experiments it became apparent that a simple method to convert plant oils into polyols was possible in a one-pot process.
Y.M.C.M established by Dr. Mariane Yarkoni is involved in locating customers worldwide that would need technologies and know- how in mainly water treatment technologies energy education Patent and Trademark services. The company is also into: Solar energy systems in Africa for the American Aid Solar energy projects in Israel Market development for new polymer insulation materials Production of special water tanks Providing raw materials building materials for infrastructure in Tel Aviv and managing constructions of municipal projects.
Background: Extensive research has been conducted on different methods for enhancing the energy efficiency related to space heating and cooling in buildings. Of these different methods utilization of phase change material (PCM) has attracted the most attention. PCM has high latent heat capacity and can absorb or release large amount of heat within a narrow temperature range.
The majority of biomass polymers when broken down into their constituents consist of cellulose-derived sugars of 5 or 6 carbon atoms and lignin-derived aromatic building blocks. These building blocks are relatively highly oxidized and thus without further chemical conversion are not well-suited for fuels and chemicals. Scientists at NDSU have recently invented novel methods for the conversion of renewable resources to feedstock chemicals. The lignin and cellulose degradation products are converted to higher quality monomers through certain chemical reactions for use in polymer synthesis.
Background: UV-curable coating materials with high biorenewable content performance comparable to petrochemical-based formulations and lower cost are highly desirable. Commercialized soybean oil (SBO) derivatives such as acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (ASBO) are important starting materials for the development of soy-based materials such as coatings adhesives plasticizers inks and lubricants. Combining monomers possessing higher acrylate functionality with ASBO is expected to produce UV-curable coatings with better crosslinking and thus greatly enhanced coating film properties.
Background: IR and UV reflective polymer films or coatings have been deposited on windows to prevent IR and UV penetration inside the house. This decreases the energy consumption for cooling the house and prevents UV discoloration damage to the carpets and appliances inside. The conventional method for this window treatment is expensive because of the cost of high vacuum deposition technique and the high degree of preciseness needed to control the thickness of the polymer film.