Determination of technological properties for the use of wood as a raw material and engineering material
Wood properties determine the use of the raw material in our daily lives, e.g., in furniture, windows or as a building product. Many of these properties are influenced by the specific structure of a wood species and the wood moisture content. In order to be able to use wood optimally and sustainably, a comprehensive understanding of these parameters is necessary. That is why we investigate the key technical properties in our laboratories: Strengths, modulus of elasticity and swelling and shrinkage dimensions in the different anatomical directions as well as density, material moisture, water absorption and water transport.
The environment (nutrients, light, water, etc.) of a tree influences its growth. These in turn have a major influence on the properties of the wood. Climate change therefore represents a major challenge for forestry and wood utilization. For this reason, we are investigating the climate-induced changes in the technological properties of wood species (spruce, pine, beech, etc.). Furthermore, we are determining the properties of wood species that will become relevant as raw materials on the timber market in the future as part of forest conversion.
The research work is carried out from the perspective of the entire “forestry-timber - industry-utilization” value chain. In this way, the various interests of the individual parties can be combined in order to achieve sustainable results for society in the long term.
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