Project

Wood characterization from micro- to macroscale 2024-2027

Code
bof/baf/4y/2024/01/133
Duration
01 January 2024 → 31 December 2025
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Palaeoclimatology
  • Engineering and technology
    • Construction materials
    • Data visualisation and imaging
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Wood and forest biomass processing
    • Forestry sciences not elsewhere classified
Keywords
mechanical testing bio-based characterization 4D wood formation microscale imaging macroscale wood
 
Project description

Wood is crucial in the fight against climate change and for a circular economy. This project investigates the behavior of a series of wood species at different scales.

On a microscopic scale, we look at cell structure and composition, giving insight into strength and moisture behavior. Dynamic tests such as tensile or compression tests, as well as moisture dynamics, are important here.

At the mesoscale, we focus on growth and density variations within and between growth rings, and their influence on the mechanical properties of wood.

At the macro-scale, we investigate how micro- and mesoscale characteristics influence the overall behaviour of wood, including responses to loads and environmental conditions, both in wood products and living trees.

The aim is to understand wood formation and the impact thereof for the use of wood as a material. This research as such strengthens our understanding of wood, one of the most widely used natural materials.