Wood Biology and Wood Products

Wood-based materials

The classics

Classic wood-based materials, such as fibreboard, chipboard, oriented strandboard, plywood and laminated veneer lumber, as well as insulation materials with variations in pulping processes and wood species, are the starting point for various research projects. Resource-efficient utilisation of wood and wood products requires a reduction in weight while at the same time ensuring application-specific material properties. The utilisation potential of low-density wood species (e.g. Paulownia tomentosa) and the use of modified wood for use as a wood-based material are key areas of research.


Composite materials

Hybrid composites, such as wood-polymer composites as a symbiosis of thermoplastics (matrix) and wood chips/wood fibres, are expanding the research portfolio. Technical polymers and biopolymers are considered as matrix materials. The influence of particle and fibre geometry on short-term and long-term material behaviour is part of various research projects.


Adhesive systems

In order to improve the quality of wood-based materials, even when used outdoors, various studies are focusing on optimising conventional adhesive systems. The development of formaldehyde-free adhesive systems based on renewable raw materials is a focal point here. The quantification of mobile formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds in wood-based materials is an integral part of the research activities.


Plasma-based functionalisation

By treating the wood-based materials using atmospheric pressure plasmas, the surface properties can be specifically controlled as a result of specific interactions. Plasma-based hydrophilisation or hydrophobisation of the wood-based material surface influences the surface properties.

Recycling

Following hydrothermal digestion processes, the recyclability of the material is investigated, alternative recycling options are evaluated and wastewater flows inherent in the process are analysed.



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