BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT95-0089 - Natural Resins as a Potential Wood Processing Agent

FAIR-CT95-0089
Natural Resins as a Potential Wood Processing Agent

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Biological Conversion : Composts/Fertilisers : Enviromental Aspects : FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT95-0089
	Total Cost	1 314 000 ECU
	EC Contribution	917 000 ECU
	Start Date	01/12/1995
	Duration	36 months

OBJECTIVE

The overall objective is to find potential natural resins and develop integrated resin systems to protect wood and act as alternatives to conventional toxic biocides.

Technical Approach

The specific objectives of the project are:

to improve the performance of non-durable European wood species by treatment with natural resins to meet the protection level required by European hazard classes 2, 3 and 4
to create cost-efficient application methods that, in conjunction with resin bonding in wood, create wood products with high performance and with minimum environmental impact
to examine the ecological benefits of resinated wood and to propose non-polluting disposal methods
to carry out "life cycle assessment" of novel resin systems at the early stage in the development of the modifying processes and finally on selected end-use products

The project will cover the production chain from pre-selection of resin systems to thoroughly tested end-use model products. The project will bring together producers of resins, wood scientists and at the end European wood treating industry. The successful project will develop new markets for treated wood products with proven performance and low environmental impact.

Expected Results

Wood as a renewable material has a high economic importance through out Europe due to its outstanding characteristics. However wood is hydroscopic and is liable to cracking due to swelling and shrinking. Under exterior exposure, high moisture content in combination with wood destroying organisms causes severe destruction of cell wall carbon hydrates in non-durable European wood species. Up to now chemicals that are toxic not only to wood destroying organisms, but also to human beings, have been used to preserve wood. The environmental impact of chemically treated wood and also the disposal of treated timber after its use create problems that need to be solved. Bans and restrictions for the use of toxic wood preservatives have been announced in many European countries. In recent years attempts have been made to improve the durability and dimensional stability of wood by chemical modification and impregnation with resin monomers. This project will provide the whole range of environmentally friendly natural resins that can protect wood, are safe to handle and are easy to dispose of safely.

Testing wood treated with natural resins

Contacts

Coordinator

Antti NURMI / Technical Research Centre of Finland VTT Building and Transport / FINLAND

EC Scientific Officer

Alexandros ARABATZIS / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant