To increase value-adding potential, the creation and optimisation of a product-oriented forest-wood chain is required. Against the background of this objective, wood quality is initially addressed directly on the standing trunk through species-specific tree characteristics. Categorised wood quality and related tree growth characteristics form the starting point for the sorting of raw wood and sawn timber.

The volume of raw hardwood has increased significantly in recent years. However, material recycling options are only commercialised to a limited extent for some hardwood species. Therefore, the aim of various research projects of the Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products is to create new markets and fields of application for native hardwood species by developing new products and processing technologies.

The bonding of wood is a complex process, which is influenced by a variety of factors. A central factor of investigation delves into the properties of bonded wood and the bonding behavior of untreated and modified wood in varying situations. Various adhesive systems and loading modes are taken into account in the evaluation of bond quality. The wood-adhesive interface is investigated to derive basic knowledge about the adhesion mechanisms involved. This is mechanical surface processing methods as well as physical process technologies (atmospheric pressure plasma, laser) are used to derive basic knowledge about the involved adhesion mechanisms. Basic knowledge of the adhesion mechanisms involved is derived through targeted mechanical and physical surface treatments of the wood-adhesive interface.