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Wood plastic composites made from different invasive trees with different compatibilisers were compared with regards to their mechanical strength. The adhesive forces between the different phases was determined with Atomic Force Microscopy on a molecular scale and compared to macroscopic mechanical properties. The results showed that wood from invasive species can be used to produce WPCs if the correct compatibiliser is used.
In our ongoing Biohome project, we investigate the feaisbility to produce low cost building materials from invasive trees and recycled plastic.
Thermally degraded wood
It is known that the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of wood change when exposed to elevated temperatures. In this project we determined the individual “cut-off” temperatures for different species and the heat conductivity of two different Eucalypt species typically used in the pulping industry. Clear differences were found, which means that the wood of burnt trees of different species shows different resistance to thermal degradation, which should be taken into account when deciding on the end use.
The effect of climate change and pollution on wood quality
Samples of selected Zambian hardwood species of commercial interest originating from sites with different water availability were selected and their tree ring patterns and anatomical features are related to known climate events, such as droughts. From this data we hope to be able to predict, how the quality of these wood species will change with the expected climate change.
An ongoing project tries to determine the effect of mining pollution on tree growth and wood quality.
Acoustic properties of wood
Various physical properties determine if wood is feasible to be used as tonewood for instruments. We have analysed a range of African indigenous wood species and identified several that can be used for string instruments. This resulted in the two African violins, presented here: https://youtu.be/_1qIX9ya44o
Acoustic properties, such as the radiaton ratio, can be improved through wood modification. An ongoing project aims to determine the best modification procedures.
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