The Advanced Structures & Composites Center [AEWC] at the University of Maine is a globally recognized leader in composites research and development and a partner of the North Star Alliance under the Research and Development Pillar.
The center is located at the University of Maine, Orono and is dedicated to research, education and economic development of the next generation of cost effective, high-performance, hybrid composite materials.
AEWC clients include businesses that work with composites, wood products, paper, as well as chemicals. The Center has assisted in the testing and development of products ranging from bridge girders and home construction materials to skateboards. Participating industries include a vast range of enterprises that make-up or support the marine trades and those that utilize advanced composite materials such as boatbuilding, marine/waterfront infrastructure, building products, sporting goods, ballistic armor, and more.
AEWC can help any boatbuilder or composites manufacturer with product testing and qualification, new product development and commercialization. The laboratories at AEWC have the capacity to develop composite materials from the conceptual stage and manufacture prototypes. In addition to an active agenda of composites research the laboratories perform a variety of standard and custom tests.
AEWC is one of the four accredited university testing labs in the nation by the International Accreditation Services. The Center offers accredited testing services which are required by the U.S. Coast Guard and other classification societies for all boat manufacturers.
AEWC personnel have expertise in:- Product Development
- Engineering Services
- Wood Products and Materials
- Composite Materials
- Embedded Sensors
- Plastic Materials
- Adhesives
- Structural Testing
- Materials Testing
- Building Code Reports
Composite Boatbuilding
Maine's boatbuilding industry makes a wide array of watercraft. Products targeted for growth include pleasure/recreational boats, military/government boats, and commercial ferries. AEWC can assist the design of boats utilizing composite materials made of synthetic fibers (E-glass, carbon, Kevlar) bound together in a polymer resin matrix (epoxy, vinylester, polyester).
Case study: Maine Marine Manufacturing
AEWC, in a partnership with Maine Marine Manufacturing, is developing a composite boat for the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy's lightweight aluminum Mark V pounds the water causing back, neck and joint injuries for sailors. The newly designed composite craft can absorb shock created by the high speed travel.
Non-Boatbuilding Composite Manufacturing
The Non-boatbuilding composites industry in Maine currently manufactures a variety of products including sporting goods, specialty fabrics for ballistic armor, architectural products, and infrastructure products for marine and high-corrosion industries. Working in cooperation with the University of Maine's AEWC, this industry has identified significant market opportunities in energy infrastructure, waterfront structures for military, commercial, and private use and force-protection for the US military.
Case study: Harbor Technologies
www.harbortech.comAEWC collaborated with Harbor Technologies to secure Maine Technology Institute (MTI) seed grants for product development. Harbor Technologies Inc. of Brunswick is developing a unique method for constructing marine piers using composite components.
Engineered Wood/Nonwood Composites
AEWC is developing building products that utilize natural wood fiber combined with synthetic polymers and/or fibers ranging from structural panels to composite decking. The wood composites pilot plant offers industrial clients a range of manufacturing and testing services. AEWC's accredited testing capacities enable manufacturers to evaluate wood plastic composite products according to international standards.
Case Study: Correct Building Products
www.correctdeck.comAEWC has assisted Correct Building Products, which has been named to the Inc. 500 list of the country's fastest growing companies, with pilot testing of new products. Its new products for wood plastic composite decking include components to resist fading and mold growth.
Contact Information
5793 AEWC BuildingUniversity of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5793
207/581-2123
207/581-2074 FAX
contactaewc@umit.maine.edu
www.aewc.umaine.edu