Texas-based Corn Board Manufacturing, Inc (CBMI) has licensed two patents from Mississippi State University (MSU) on kenaf for use in replacing wood products in engineered pressed board.
Kenaf is a fibrous plant similar to bamboo that grows as tall as 10ft with a woody base up to 4in in diameter.
CBMI has licensed an MSU patent for the production of a kenaf core board and an MSU patent for a machine, called a ‘decorticator’ that separates the kenaf material.
“CBMI is looking to blend kenaf into their board products, to achieve a combination of flexibility, rigidity and durability required for the products they are making,said Chase Kasper, interim director of the MSU Office of Technology Commercialization.
“We are excited about their capabilities and potential product offerings.’