EU �CELLUWOOD� PROJECT

Laminated Strong Eco-Material for Building Construction madeof Cellulose-Strengthened Wood

The CELLUWOOD project is developing laminated strong Eco-Materials for building construction made of cellulose-strengthenedwood.

The specific objective of the project is to bring into existence a newrange of low carbon, reliably strong building construction materialsmade of wood sourced from well managed and sustainable forests,through:

� The introduction of the (new) technologies from othersectors (e.g. cellulose velvet, bio-composite reinforcement andbio-resin) for innovative uses in the defect removal and repairing,and lamination of strong building materials

� Facilitating innovation in the use of nano/micro celluloseand bio-resin technologies in timber re-engineering

� The development, testing and demonstration of the novelinitiative products.

The major output would be a new market for laminated wood inconstruction: Eco-beams and columns and production technologies.This would stimulate rural economies in all EU states and promotethe planting and good management of new woodland, with itsattendant environmental benefits. The clear result of this market�semergence would be a significant reduction in the carbon footprintof construction within the EU and, eventually, world wide, as theproposed engineered timber became a viable and cost-effectivesubstitute for conventional strong construction materials that arehigh CO2 emitters during manufacture. A further beneficial resultof the new material�s emergence would be greatly reduced waterconsumption in both the manufacturing and construction phases.

Structural Timber Boarding

Utilization of small diameter and underutilized European growntimber has been investigated in detail. Processes and performancein use of small diameter wood on European, national and regionallevels 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 Sitkaspruce (Picea sitchensis). Additionally, preliminary processing fortimber boarding is defined.

Bio- Resin and ReinforcementsDifferent adhesion systems based on raw materials from naturalresources have been studied for their suitability to be used inCELLUWOOD products. They include:

� Systems of condensed tannin extracted from Quebracho Colorado(Schinopsis Lorentzii) trees.

� Systems of condensed tannin from pine trees.� Kraft L ignin from hardwood and softwood, and

CNSL (Cashew nut shell liquid).

These natural raw materials were tested for their ability to performcold or hot curing processes. The various adhesion systems werefirstly evaluated with the lap shear testing in accordance with relevantEN or ISO standards and then applied to the timber boarding materialsused in this project.

Eco-Beams and Eco-columnsThe core materials for eco-beams and eco-columns are being proposedat this stage of the project.

Alternative bio-adhesivesA nanocellulose gel has been developed in the project and is testedwith different adhesives to study their bonding properties. Theseadhesives will be used for the production of the eco-beams and eco-columns.

Photo 1: Glulam. The CELLUWOOD materials will be more ecological and willhave a better mechanical strength than glulam. Source: AIDIMA

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

Project partners

www.celluwood.com