Jul 06, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Researchers at the University of Maine’s AEWC Advanced Structures and Composites Center recently have been issued a patent for technology that improves OSB, as reported by WPBI. Used in most single-family home construction in North America, as well as a significant portion of multi-family, commercial and industrial facilities, OSB has some disadvantages, such as high vulnerability to thickness swelling and water absorption. According to AEWC, the new technology increases OSB’s resistance to high winds and earthquakes, but also contains a coating which both hinders water uptake and prevents the boards from swelling. The researchers claim the new technology could change the way the homes and other structures are built, while cutting the economic losses caused by natural disasters.