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

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.

Origin-specific durability of coloured coniferous heartwoods

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.

Wood-water interactions

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 ...

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.