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EU CELLUWOOD PROJECT Laminated Strong Eco-Material for Building Construction made of Cellulose-Strengthened Wood
Miguel ngel Abin (AIDIMA)

The CELLUWOOD project is developing laminated strong EcoMaterials for building construction made of cellulose-strengthened wood. The specific objective of the project is to bring into existence a new range of low carbon, reliably strong building construction materials made of wood sourced from well managed and sustainable forests, through: The introduction of the (new) technologies from other sectors (e.g. cellulose velvet, bio-composite reinforcement and bio-resin) for innovative uses in the defect removal and repairing, and lamination of strong building materials Facilitating innovation in the use of nano/micro cellulose and bio-resin technologies in timber re-engineering The development, testing and demonstration of the novel initiative products.

These natural raw materials were tested for their ability to perform cold or hot curing processes. The various adhesion systems were firstly evaluated with the lap shear testing in accordance with relevant EN or ISO standards and then applied to the timber boarding materials used in this project. Eco-Beams and Eco-columns The core materials for eco-beams and eco-columns are being proposed at this stage of the project. Alternative bio-adhesives A nanocellulose gel has been developed in the project and is tested with different adhesives to study their bonding properties. These adhesives will be used for the production of the eco-beams and ecocolumns.

The major output would be a new market for laminated wood in construction: Eco-beams and columns and production technologies. This would stimulate rural economies in all EU states and promote the planting and good management of new woodland, with its attendant environmental benefits. The clear result of this markets emergence would be a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of construction within the EU and, eventually, world wide, as the proposed engineered timber became a viable and cost-effective substitute for conventional strong construction materials that are high CO2 emitters during manufacture. A further beneficial result of the new materials emergence would be greatly reduced water consumption in both the manufacturing and construction phases. Structural Timber Boarding Utilization of small diameter and underutilized European grown timber has been investigated in detail. Processes and performance in use of small diameter wood on European, national and regional levels from a practical and technical point of view have been described. The tree types under discussion for the project are sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), European larch (Larix decidua Mill), spruce, Norway spruce (Picea abies), and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). Additionally, preliminary processing for timber boarding is defined. Bio- Resin and Reinforcements Different adhesion systems based on raw materials from natural resources have been studied for their suitability to be used in CELLUWOOD products. They include: Systems of condensed tannin extracted from Quebracho Colorado (Schinopsis Lorentzii) trees. Systems of condensed tannin from pine trees. Kraft Lignin from hardwood and softwood, and CNSL (Cashew nut shell liquid).
Photo 1: Glulam. The CELLUWOOD materials will be more ecological and will have a better mechanical strength than glulam. Source: AIDIMA

Photo 2: Nanocellulose gel fabricated by Brunel University. Source: Brunel University

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