WOOD MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES

Research Interests

The area Wood Materials Technologies is focusing on the development of new bio-based materials, various wood technology processes and the characterisation of wood and wood-based materials and their use in sustainable building and furniture. Their resistance to the negative effects of moisture and humidity, their fire resistance and the significance of emissions from wood-based materials are being closely considered. Since adhesives play an essential role in the manufacture of advanced wood materials, special attention is dedicated to their synthesis and optimisation towards superior performance and minimised environmental impact. In addition, the interactions between material properties and technological processes and methods are investigated, considering the circular economy and digitalisation. 

Our research topics comprise:

  • Analysis and optimisation of disintegration processes of wood composites and renewable raw materials
  • Drying technology (simulation and optimising industrial drying process)
  • Wood and fiber modification
  • Surface functionalisation and hydrophobising
  • Fire behaviour of renewable raw materials
  • Optimisation of production processes to reduce product variability
  • Development of new adhesives
  • Analysing adhesive properties (e.g. tack) as well as interactions between adhesive and wood
  • Adhesive distribution on industrially manufactured wood composites
  • Analytic and evaluation of VOC and odours from solid wood and wood composites
  • Development of processes for VOC and odour reduction
  • Function oriented wood composites by means of „Design Engineering“

 

 

Team Circular Wood Process Technologies

The Circular Wood Process Technologies team conducts research into a range of technologies for disaggregation of wood and related materials. In terms of resource efficiency, starting materials from waste streams and underutilised sources are of particular interest. Closed cycles and an adapted understanding of materials and processes lead to the development of sustainable materials.

 

Team Functional Wood & Bio-based Materials

Within the scope of various projects, the team Functional Wood & Bio-based Materials is working on novel functionalisation methods that lead to improved material properties, particularly regarding fire and moisture resistance. The research topics range from hydrothermal treatments and various functionalisation methods to porous structures and multifunctional wood composites, with a focus on the most bio-based construction applications possible. 

 

Team Advanced Bonding

Bonding is the basis for all wood composites as adhesion and cohesion distribute in their mechanical stability. The team Advanced Bonding investigates adhesive properties and adhesive distribution. Furthermore, new adhesives, also based on renewable raw materials as well as ideal bonding systems for novel wood composites are developed.

 

Team Digital Technologies & Sustainable Building

The team Digital Technologies & Sustainable Building deals with current research questions regarding the use of latest digital technologies and methods for woodworking and wood processing as well as with questions about innovative bio-based materials for sustainable building. For example, sensors, assistance systems, robotics, acoustics, machine learning, computer vision or AI are used. With the help of these methods, research questions on innovative sensor technology in timber construction, the traceability of wood along the value chain, process monitoring and modeling or the simulation of wood-hybrid construction elements are pursued, with the aim of extending the use phase of wood and renewable raw materials in the construction industry.

 

Team Indoor Quality and Emission Control 

The team Indoor Quality and Emission Control deals with method development, analysis and evaluation of VOC and formaldehyde from wood composites and wood products, as well as with technologies for reducing undesirable emissions and odors from wood raw materials for wood-based materials and wood products through microbial modification. Another research focus of the team is the utilisation of the growth properties of filamentous fungi, e.g. for the production of mycomaterials.