Institutsprojects

Wood-water interactions

Origin-specific durability of coloured coniferous heartwoods

Enhanced Life-Cycle-Costing in wood construction by novel methods for service life planning

Life cycle costs (LCC) are key indicators for sustainability assessment and profitability in construction and should be determined on the basis of reliable service life predictions.

Round Robin Test - Bundle method

As part of a European research collaboration, the suitability of a new field testmethod for determining the biological durability of wood above-ground is being investigated.

Investigations based on µ- and nano-CT

Since 2017, the Thünen Institute of Wood Research in Department 1 (Quality of Wood and Wood Products) is working on the question of the extent to which µ- and nano-CT technology can be used in the field of species identification and structural analysis. In particular, this involves the identification of timbers in which no DNA has been preserved due to the process or in which the chemotaxonomic signature has been altered, such as charcoal or various materials made from wood. The background to this is that genetic examinations are no longer possible here, for example, meaning that anatomical ...

Identification of NTFPs

Strategic Strengthening and Promotion of Forest and Wood Research in Germany (Cross-Sectional Project)

Forests provide economic, protective, and recreational functions. Extreme weather events and forest damage are showing the consequences of climate change. Interdisciplinary research and evidence-based decisions are essential for necessary adaptations.

Lignin-carbonate as crosslinker for bio-based adhesives

Adhesives are of central importance for industrial product manufacturing. However, conventional adhesives are usually based on petrochemicals and are thus not sustainable. The Thünen-Institute of wood research is investigating novel alternative adhesives made from bio-based resources.

The European Charcoal Transition

The project "The European Charcoal Transition" aims at investigating, describing and documenting the developments of the international charcoal trade in order to derive recommendations for action for politics and environmental protection.

Strategies for the production of high value timbers

The aim of the joint project is to increase the value-added potential of European commercial tree species. To this end, methods are to be developed that contribute to the conservation, propagation and utilization of trees with special wood structures.

Climate-neutral fumigation processes and alternative treatment methods for logs for export

The transcontinental export of roundwood requires phytosanitary treatment to prevent the spread of harmful organisms. Currently, fumigation with sulphuryldifluoride (SF) is usually used for this purpose. Current practice is to release the gas into the atmosphere after treatment. The problem here is that SF - in addition to the greenhouse gases listed in the Climate Protection Law (Klimaschutzgesetz, KSG) - is considered to have a strong impact on the climate. And it has a warming potential around 4800 times greater than carbon dioxide. In view of the continuous release of SF and its real ...

Wood Fibers as peat substitutes

Reducing peat extraction contributes significantly to climate protection. Wood fiber materials can already be used to replace up to 30% of peat in planting substrates. However, several challenges must be overcome to achieve higher substitution rates. We are exploring approaches to increase the substitution rate and expand the raw material base for wood fiber production.

Influence of particle geometry on material properties and optimization of material consumption

The properties of particleboard are influenced to a large extent by the geometry of the chips. Targeted control of the board properties therefore requires precise knowledge of these relationships and their adaptability. The accurate and reliable measurement of chips has only recently become possible and will be further developed in this project with practical relevance.

Influences of tree growth conditions on wood properties

Due to the influence of climate change, the growing conditions of trees in Germany and Europe will change. Consequently, the technological properties of wood will change with challenges for downstream industries. To ensure the most efficient use of wood as a resource, we are investigating the relationships between environmental factors and wood properties.

Automated image recognition for wood species identification

Can wood species be identified with absolute certainty by means of machine learning? We are working on this question in the FNR project in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute. The aim: automated image recognition systems for wood species identification.

Determination of terpenes using NIRS

Wood is a popular and versatile building material, but time-dependent volatile substances such as terpenes and aldehydes are released from wood and wood products.

Implementation of new normative requirements for LCA data for wood construction products in the ÖKOBAUDAT database

In order to ensure a continuous monitoring of the climate impacts of timber construction products, the LCA data, which are regularly provided by the Thünen Institute of Wood Research, are fully updated.

The scent of wood

Strong odours are a frequent reason for investigations of indoor air quality. Odours are caused, inter alia, by volatile organic compounds emitted by various materials (e.g., wood products) into the ambient air.

Alternative timber to natural forest teak for shipbuilding

In shipbuilding, teak (Tectona grandis, family LAMIACEAE) is traditionally used for the production of high-quality wood decks. As a result of the over-exploitation in its area of natural distribution, the availability of teak has decreased considerably and acquisition in accordance with EUTR guidelines has become very difficult.

Standard compliant life cylce assessment data for wooden building products

When processing wood into semi finshed goods, components or buildings, thermal and electrical energy is required and resources are consumed. We calculate the effects on climate and environment associated with industrial wood processing using the product life cycle assessment method according to the ISO EN 14040/44 standard and in accordance with the international standards relevant to sustainable construction.

Identification of timbers in international traded charcoal

Grilling with charcoal is the trend. According to figures from the German Federal Statistical Office, consumption in Germany in 2016 was 250,000 tonnes – and rising. Most of the wood used does not come from "domestic forests". Around 85 % of the sold charcoal is imported from abroad, often from tropical and subtropical regions, but also from Eastern European forests.

Scientific support of the European Standard Committee 'Sustainable Building' (CEN/TC 350) and its national mirror committees (DIN)

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Participation at the Round Tables on Sustainable Building and Ressource Efficiency at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community with provision of Expertise on Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainability Assessment

Since several years, the German federal government has been working on implementing the concept of sustainable building in the construction sector: we participate in it and make our expertise available in the area of life cycle and sustainability assessment.

Durability of wood and wood products

Changes in the legal situation and the emergence of new materials require valid information on biological resistance in order to optimally use wood and wood products according to their durability

Analysis of fine structures of wood and wood products

As a result of globalized markets, so called "lesser known species" and wood products with unkown properties are increasingly being traded.

Databases wood identification

For the identification of internationally traded timber, wood products and paper, the databases and references must be continuously extended and updated. One focus is the extension of a fiber (vessel) atlas for the identification of woods in fiberboards and paper.

CITES-protected timber

The CITES Convention lists endangered tree species and restricts their trade. The Thünen Institute of Wood Research provides assistance in the implementation and monitoring of the CITES guidelines.

Wood Identification

Macroscopic and microscopic identification of internationally traded timber, wood products, and paper for the implementation of EUTR / HolzSiG / CITES guidelines (Thünen Centre of Competence on the Origin of timber)

Evaluation of the Charter for Wood 2.0

The Charter for Wood 2.0 aims to increase the contribution of sustainable forestry and wood use to climate change mitigation. It contributes to the implementation of the Federal Government’s Climate Action Plan 2050. Strengthening value creation in the forestry & wood cluster and conserving finite resources through sustainable and efficient wood use are further key objectives.

Standardisation related to wood

For technological progress, standardised poducts and processes, and for cross boarder exchange of goods and services harmonized standards related to round and sawn timber are indispensible.

FTP Germany

Collection and adaptation of future-oriented research topics of the German Forestry/Wood-Chain, national harmonization und provision of such topics for builing reaserch strategies and programmes on national and European level, organisation of workshops and brokerage events

NRW Inno-Cluster Bioenergy

Ablative fast pyrolysis is a special process to generate bio-oils from biomasses. In contrast to petroleum, biomass derived pyrolysis oils cannot be distilled into fractions for example parafins. Therefore, we investigate the staged condensation of bio-oils to enrich basic chemical feedstocks.

Material and process development for the production of wood-biopolymer sandwich panels based on renewable resources

The demand for renewable raw materials in material and energetic uses is growing rapidly. By selectively reducing the density of the panel structure less material is necessary to achieve comparable properties.

More bioenergy from wood

The KBBE-Project TREEFORJOULES aims at finding new ways for wood production, optimized for the generation of highly efficient fuels. The Thünen Institute of Wood Research is involved in the characterization of the cell wall components and the estimation of bioenergy potential.

IEA Bioenergy Task 34

IEA Bioenergy Task 34 (pyrolysis) consists of experts from 6 countries (USA, UK, DE, NL, FI, SE) aimed at facilitating commercialisation of biomass pyrolysis for production of fuels by contributing to the resolution of critical technical areas and disseminating relevant information particularly to industry and policy makers.

Water Use within Life Cycle Assessment

Supplying the world sufficiently with water in high quality is one of the most imporant environmental topics these days. Is it possible to assess the impacts of water use? If yes, how?

Database for Assessing a Sustainable and Efficient Use of Wood in the German Building Sector

Database for the Evaluation of a Eustainable and Efficient Use of Wood in the German Construction Sector

Reactive extrusion of lignin

The implementation of the EU Circular Economy Package and the European Plastics Strategy mean that more efforts are needed to prevent, reuse or recycle packaging waste. Lignin-based packaging and coating materials can be used as an alternative to common plastics. However, laboratory-proven methods must be further developed into application-suitable processes.

Environmentally friendly production of reinforcing fibers for waste paper packaging papers

The decline in consumption and production of graphic papers has the consequence that the influx of high-quality fiber material into waste paper recycling declined. With a suitable process, high quality but low-cost primary fibers could be recovered for the reinforcement of waste paper.

Research and evaluation of raw materials and processes for pulp production

Different raw materials and processes for the production of chemical and mechanical pulps are being used to evaluate their suitability for specific applications. The focus is on processes with high resources- and energy-efficiency.

Utilization of natural fibers

This institute-internal project comprises numerous individual projects, in which different pulp and paper products are tested for different applications. It includes beating or conversion, for example for the production of microfibrils. An essential goal is to find new, high-valued applications.

Emission free Adhesives

Wood-based materials are predominantly produced with formaldehyde-based adhesives. This group of adhesives are potential hazardous to health due to the recent risk assessment of formaldehyde (class 1B, likely to be carcinogenic to humans). Therefore, formaldehyde-free binder alternatives are evaluated, developed and tested in our institute.

Bio-based polymers and materials

During the development of a bio-based economy, the complete utilization of lignocellulosic components is of particular importance. Therefore, we develop and evaluate new bio-based polymers and materials, as well as composites.

Production of special pulps

The aim of the project, performed in cooperation with the company Josef Rettenmaier & Söhne, is the energy- and resource-efficient generation of specialty cellulose pulps from alternative, so far scarcely used raw material sources (wheat straw, Miscanthus Giganteus, beech residual forest wood) for high-quality applications.

Special editing office for Wooden building products in the Ecological building material information system WECOBIS in the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development

Special editing office for Wooden building products in the Ecological building material information system WECOBIS in the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development

Strengthening renewable raw materials in the insulation market

Renewable raw materials (NawaRo) as insulating materials are a healthy and ecological alternative to conventional materials. However, their name recognition and market share are still low. StaR-Dämm combines research and politics through technical discussions in order to promote forward-looking solutions for energy-efficient renovation.

The climate change mitigation potential of wood usage in new residential buildings

As building material, the renewable resource wood can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In line with the international standards applicable to the construction sector, we quantify the greenhouse gas mitigation potential associated with wood use in new residential buildings.

Identification references of wood species from charcoal

Charcoal is a regularly imported material into the German market. The woods, which are used for charcoal production are often harvested from natural forests in South America and Central Africa. Basic investigations of the Thünen Institute have shown that many European trade assortments are misclassified and regularly contain tropical wood species.

Development of a climate cell for nano-tomography measurements

The Thünen Institute of Wood Research and the Institute of Wood Sciences at the University of Hamburg are developing a climate cell for nano-tomography to better understand the behavior of biological samples in response to changes in humidity and temperature

Health effects of emissions from wood-based products

Individual case studies on health impairments of residents of timber houses and corresponding press releases suggest a harmful effect of wood emissions. This contributes to insecurity among the population.

Development of a measuring system to determine particle dimensions

The geometry of wood particles has a significant influence on the properties ofparticleboard. However, this relationship has been difficult to use for process optimization so far. The expansion of process control to include particle thickness measurement opens up new possibilities for using wood and adhesives more efficiently and thus conserving resources.

How do building materials affect indoor air quality?

Wood products emit volatile organic compounds (VOC) in different compositions and amounts. This project aims to develop an objective process that allows clear conclusions about the impact of VOC emissions of different building products on indoor air quality in real installation situations.

Rapid testing of VOC emission from wood products

Rapid test methods for VOC emissions are required for quality control and material development . Standardized test methods first deliver test results after 28 days. Therefore this project will develop a rapid test method within this project.

Reducing energy consumption in the sawmilling industry

Energy efficiency targets are high on the political agenda . We provide the necessary tools so that European sawmills can play their part.

Development of lignin-based polyurethanes for foams and adhesives.

Lignin, a by-product of pulp production, can be used to produce foams and versatile adhesives. We investigate how these materials can be produced in a sustainable way.

Kick resistance of horse stable infill planks

A methodology for determining the kick resistance to horses will be developed to design appropriate horse boxes with in-fill planks in order to minimise the risk of injury and to increase the development potential of manufacturers of horse boxes.

Lightweight panels from particles with innovative geometry

Less and less wood is to be used for the production of particleboard. At the same time, however, the properties of the panels should not change. The use of innovative particle geometry seems to be the solution to overcoming this contradiction.

Effects of climate change on wood formation and propeties

In order to adapt European forests to climate change, suitable tree species are needed. In particular, changing environmental factors have a significant impact on forest condition as well as the quantity and quality of wood.

Developing competences for the Peruvian Forestry and woodworking sector

A large part of Peru east of the Andes is tropical forest area which is partly over-utilised, partly has degraded soil after agricultural utilisation or is untouched or under-utilised. Despite enormous wood resources, Peru imports most of its timber demand. Export is focussed on high density parquet wood species. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Thuenen Institute of Wood Research support the local institutions CITEmadera and CITEforestal in the formation of experts for the Peruvian forestry and woodworking sector.

The Death Watch Beetle: Dietary preferences and life habits

The deathwatch beetle is one of the most important wood-destroying insects. Especially historical wooden constructions such as church roofs and half-timbered buildings are endangered by it. What are the exact requirements for an infestation?

Life Cycle Assessment of Furniture

Furniture buyers could be more environmentally conscious, if there is better information on environmental impacts available. In future customers can decide knowledge-based because scientists at the Thünen-Institute are working on a systematic life cycle assessment approach for furniture. Also the manufacturers can make sound operational decisions based on the life cycle assessment information.

Identification of Tropical Hardwood in paper

Does your paper contain protected tropical wood species? For verifying their presence in paper adequate methods are needed. The scope of the project - sponsored by the “Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt“ - is to establish references for identification of tropical timbers in paper.

Update of the database CITESwoodID

Important trade-timbers, e.g. true mahagony are protected according to the CITES-regulations (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). The trade of the protected timber is subjected to authorization or strongly prohibited and requires a clear identification of the wood taxa.

Improving eucalypt and poplar wood properties for bioenergy

Plants can be genetically modified and may develop a differing phenotype. Such processes can also lead to changed tissue properties. Trees can be treated in the same way and the wood of those trees can be specifically modified. The "Tree for Joules" research project aims at a specific modification of poplar and eucalypt trees to optimize their suitability for energy purposes.

Putting more nature on paper

Plants protect themselves with various structures against moisture, predators and microorganisms. We are investigating how these structures can be produced on paper using biogenic precursor molecules and plasma polymerization.

From Molecules to Materials - Biobased Adhesives

Adhesives are essential to industrial production as a whole and are widely used in modern manufacturing applications. Usually adhesives are produced by fossil-based feedstocks. At the Thünen-Institute of Wood research we try to replace conventional products with bio-based resources.

Building materials for affordable housing ​made from bio-based and recycling resources (BioHome)

"BioHome - Building materials for social housing from bio-based and recycled raw materials" is a three-country research and teaching project with the aim of developing the first composite materials based on bio- and secondary raw materials in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. BioHome integrates into the strategy project of the Federal German government "Partnerships for sustainable solutions with Sub-Saharan Africa" and is coordinated by the Thünen Institute.

The environmental impact of insulating materials from renewable resources

Thermal insulation is demanded and promoted by the government's policy. Compared to conventional insulating materials (such as polystyrene or mineral wool) insulating materials from renewable resources do not only convince due to their performance in terms of heat storage capacity, but they also seem to be a good alternative when it comes to sustainability issues.

Lignocellulose Biorefinery Phase II

The planning and construction of a pilot plant for Organosolv pulping was supported. In addition extensive investigations for the material use of lignin were performed (lignin-phenol resins, polyurethans, aromatic platform chemicals.

Non-destructive assessment of wooden components in an underwater area as a technical service

Building constructions have to be inspected for their safety. This also applies to structural parts that are below the water surface. To date, however, no suitable measuring instruments exist for wooden components in this environment. This is to change with this project.

Evaluation of timber towers in outdoor use

Fungal attac of direct weathered timber constructions can cause an early failure. Therefore several timber towers in Germany were evaluated regarding their current state with respect to the efficacy of actual regulations and the ability of construction companies to fulfill standardised guidelines.

Protection of wood in contact with sea water

Marine organisms like shipworm can destroy wood used in sea water whereas fungi can degrade this timber above sea water level. Thünen-Institute will investigate these wood pests in order to develop long lasting non-biocidal protection measures.

Life Cycle Data of Wooden Buildings

Wood as a natural building material enjoys great popularity in the construction of single-family homes. However, also the construction of prefabricated timber houses consumes natural resources and has an ecological footprint. How can the environmental impact be quantified?

Wood plastic composite interface characterization

This project initiates a new collaboration between SCION (New Zealand) and Thuenen-Institute. Both organisations aim at a deeper understanding of the interaction of wood and plastic in hybrid composite products.

The future of global climate protection regime in the forest wood sector

To still meet the 2-degree limit of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the reduction of emissions from industry and energy industry is not sufficient alone. Emissions from deforestation, especially in the tropics, and unsustainable land uses worldwide are relevant sources of greenhouse gases.

Alternative, formaldehyd-free binders for wood based composite materials

In the production of wood-based composite materials formaldehyd containing binders are still state of the art. While formaldehyd emissions have been drastically reduced the search for low-priced formaldehyd-free binders is still ongoing.

Gas Analysis Method for Wood-Based Panels

Formaldehyde is a component in many adhesives of wood-based products, but natural wood also emits formaldehyde in small amounts - as do almost all organic materials. Formaldehyde is considered a carcinogenic substance.

Changes of the environment and climate on wood formation and wood properties

All wood properties relevant for its usability are developed under the influence of natural and anthropogenic environmental factors during its formation in the living tree. Hereby, environmental changes are permanently archived in the wood as long as the tree is living or used as building timber or preserved in the ground for centuries. Such an archive in trees can be used to reconstruct past climate conditions and to predict future modifications in wood structure and eventually wood quality.

LIGNOHTL: Transportation fuels from woody residues

Lignin enriched residues from pulping industries and biorefineries are becoming more and more important. Their aromatic character make them ideally suited for use as fuels or platform chemicals. We try to convert lignins in a two-step process. We start with hydrothermal treatment of dissolved lignin from kraft pulping processes (black liquor). In a second hydrocracking step we want to make a product which is can be integrated in conventional fossil refienry streams.

Fuels out of a hot bath

Testing of the CLC-process (catalytic liquid conversion) in a laboratory unit for the joint conversion of pyrolysis liquids and biomass into liquid hydrocarbons with high heating value.

Upgrading of pyrolysis oils

Globally, researchers are involved in finding optimal processes for the conversion of biomass into liquid fuels and platform chemicals. Pyrolysis liquids are an important intermediate product. However, they need upgrading to be used in the petroleum based infrastructure. Our project is aimed at investigating wether esterification and acetalization with subsequent hydrotreatment are viable routes.

Biorefinery 2021

Bioethanol plant based on lignocellulosic materials yield a lignin enriched residue, which can be used as potential source for aromatic platform chemicals. Fast pyolysis and corresponding analytical tools were investigated.

Material uses for lignocellulosic raw materials and residues

Sustainable and economically feasible utilisation of wood and its components are to be pointed out, developed and evaluated. In order to provide political decision makers with scientifically-based results knowledge at the interface between science and policy has to be consolidated and supplemented by our own research.

Quality of Douglas fir wood

Douglas fir is frequently regarded as a tree species tolerating climate change-related environmental conditions. However, technological properties of its wood in relation to various silvicultural aspects has not been investigated systematically.

Climat protection through an increased utilization of wood

The forest-based sector in the European Union can significantly contribute to climate protection. On the basis of scenarios we show how this contribution to climate protection could be increased and put the results into a policy context.

Microbiotas on African import timber: non-indigenous fungi and bacteria

Which communities of wood decaying organisms are imported together with timber from Africa, how do they differ from communities that occur on native wood and what potential damage could be caused by imported fungi and bacteria to native wood and trees, if they become established here especially when taking into account future climate change?