Processing of wood residues into 3D bio-composites
Within the framework of Applause Project, the Department of Wood Science of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana produces biocomposites from invasive wood species
We produce biocomposites from: Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and Boxelder maple (Acer negundo L.).
This part of the activity "Zero waste" aims at transforming woodworking residues into new products with high added value.
The wood residues resulting from the primary processing of wood and the production of wood products are firstly ground to the desired particle size in a mill and secondly in a drum chipper. In the next step, chips of invasive wood species are mixed with a polymer and a biodegradable compatibilizer in an optimal ratio and pressed in a hot press to form a 4 mm thick bio-composite board. In the second part of the production of bio-composites, the mixture of wood chips and polymer is hot pressed in a mould and cooled to a 3D product (shell on the photos). The materials used are environmentally friendly, suitable for food contact and recyclable.
