Wood material science and technology
The wood material science and technology group, led by assistant professor Lauri Rautkari, focuses on a variety of subjects ranging from developing thermal modification processes and improving the properties of wooden construction materials to microbiology and chemistry of wood and wood components. The aim of this group is to develop new sustainable, diverse wood products with enhanced properties.
Research subjects
Modification of wood
Thermal and chemical modification of wood
We research the phenomena behind the changes in wood material due to different modification methods, such as thermal and chemical modification, e.g., innovative hot water modification process for solid wood, as well as developing novel analysis techniques to study water vapor sorption phenomena.
Surface charring of solid wood
We study wood modification by one-sided surface charring to create a durable, ecological and maintenance-free construction material for wall claddings and sidings, as well as for other purposes both indoors and outdoors.
Wood-based panels
Developing lignin-based adhesives
We are developing environmentally bening, greener adhesives for the wood panel industry by utilizing the versatility of wood lignin.
Improving wood veneer properties
We aim to improve the properties of wood veneer by investigating the effect of drying parameters on the hydroxyl group accessibility and glueability of green birch veneers, as well as increase the fire-retardant properties of veneers for plywood production and investigate the impact of treatments on bondability and sorption behavior.
Microbiological aspects
Pine extractives and natural durability
We investigate the ways in which pine wood extractives prevent the growth of wood decaying fungi and study how the fungi work to overcome the effects of those extractives.
Antibacterial properties of wood extracts
We study the antibacterial properties of wood components, such as extractives, lignin and VOC's especially in terms of pathogenic bacteria.
Examples of ongoing research
- Lämpöpuun valmistusprosessin ja tuotteiden kehittäminen (EU/EAKR, 2015-2017)
- Viilun modifiointi (EU/EAKR, 2016-2018)
- Kestävä puujulkisivu hiiltämällä (EU/EAKR, 2017-2018)
- Wood Modification Using Pressurized Hot Water (Academy of Finland, 2017-2021)
- Colloidal Lignin Adhesives and Coatings (Tekes 2016-2018)
- + several industrial ongoing projects (2014 -)
Publications
Click here for list of publications
Contact
Lauri Rautkari
Apulaisprofessori
lauri.rautkari [at] aalto [dot] fi (lauri.rautkari@aalto.fi ) +358 50 5693 458
Vierailuosoite
Vuorimiehentie 1
02150 Espoo
Postiosoite
PL 16300
00076 Aalto