Services (for industry partners)
NIU Bioplastics Lab – Services (for industry partners)
- Material formulation and product development for bio-based and biodegradable polymers and biocomposites
- Compounding and manufacturing support: extrusion, pelletizing, injection molding, compression molding, blow molding
- Composite fabrication: fiber- and filler-reinforced biocomposites; composite hand layup
- Additive manufacturing and prototyping: 3D-printing support for bio-based composites and filaments
- Pilot-readiness validation: real-time production and validation workflows; thermoforming simulation with vacuum pressure; thickness and mold fidelity assessments for packaging
- Mechanical testing: tensile, compression, impact, and related mechanical property testing
- ASTM/ISO-aligned testing for abrasion, wear, and hardness
- Environmental conditioning and flow testing: humidity chamber testing; melt indexing
- Dimensional inspection and metrology: coordinate measurement (CMM) capability
- Techno-economic analysis (TEA): cost estimation, market comparison, commercial feasibility modeling, and lifecycle/environmental benefit assessment
- Mold design and fabrication support
- Regulatory and standards support: FDA/EU/Canada/Japan compliance testing support; compostability and recyclability validation (ASTM D6400, EN 13432)
About Northern Illinois University
NIU is a comprehensive public research university headquartered in DeKalb with a multi‑campus footprint across the Chicago area. Through its Office of Innovation, companies have a single entry point to the university, with options to co‑locate via flexible office and lab leasing and engage faculty and student talent. Regional centers in Naperville, Hoffman Estates and Rockford connect partners to the suburban corporate base, supported by a university‑operated business incubator in Rockford. Research is supported by competitive federal funding and strengthened by collaborations with nearby national laboratories. A dedicated technology transfer office and a university‑affiliated research foundation provide IP management, licensing, sponsored research support and startup services.
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