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Description
Forest biomass is of great importance of green development of the world. Lignocellulosic material (wood, wood-based products, paperboard, paper, etc.) is the main structural, building and packaging material with its wide spectrum of applications. However, its flammability and water absorbability brings the hidden danger to our lives and products properties. Therefore, the use of lignocellulosic materials in construction and packaging industries is limited. Manufacture of lignocellulosic products, also bio-based innovation systems including ecological forest and wood protection, has its priority here. Use of wood or paper instead of concrete, steel or plastic in a building industry saves energy and thus reduces emission of CO2 in production process. The assumption of the project is to develop bio-based innovation systems from forestry biomass intended for production of advanced lignocellulosic materials being resistant to variation in air humidity and/or fire conditions. The direct goal of the project is to produce an innovative cellulose- or lignocellulose-based material or modified wood with new functional properties, i.e. reduced flammability and increased water resistance. The scope of the project includes the following issues: effect of carbon-based nano- or micro-particles and selected natural polymers on its thermal degradation process; effect of silanes or siloxanes and selected natural polymers on its water resistance. The results of the research carried out are intended to serve the growing packaging and construction industries. Added value resulting from the project is following: enhanced cooperation between UPP, NIBIO and POskladani in order to construction and packaging industry development; support for technology transfer, exchange of experience and best practices between science and enterprises from wood, pulp and paper industry; development of new products and technologies for production of light, ecological packaging materials and cockpit cladding.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the project was to develop bio-based innovation systems from forestry biomass intended for production of advanced lignocellulosic materials that are resistant to fluctuations in air humidity and temperature or fire conditions.
The goal of the project was fully achieved. The project resulted in the development and production of innovative lignocellulosic materials with expandable graphite, carbon nanotubes and siloxanes to improve their fire properties. Hydrophobic lignocellulose materials were developed and an environmentally friendly wood pulp was produced from which wood-based panels were manufactured.
The final results of the project correspond to the current and real needs of the economy at national and global level. The project has developed sustainable lignocellulosic products and environmentally friendly prototypes that have become a priority in many industrial sectors and in society. These alternative materials, using waste materials with low-energy production processes, offer the opportunity to create more sustainable and ecological solutions that can help reduce the negative impact on the environment. This contributes to solving important societal problems related to the reduction of C02 emissions and promotes sustainable development through waste minimization and efficient use of natural resources. The results of the project can contribute to replacing synthetic materials with bio-based ecological solutions.
Summary of bilateral results
The added value of the partnership can be seen in the improvement of knowledge and understanding of certain scientific issues. The main benefit of the collaboration was the exchange of technical ideas, mutual support through advice and suggestions in carrying out research and implementation work, and the complementary execution of tasks according to the equipment and technical resources of each partner. The results of this collaboration have culminated in joint publications in peer-reviewed journals and co-authorship of conference contributions. Another expression of the active cooperation between the partners was the exchange of study visits and completed short-term scientific missions. Overarching results were the co- organization of scientific conferences, membership in international organizations and the submission of joint project proposals.