Research

Natural wood coatings based on vegetable oils and waxes fulfill an important function for high-quality furniture and flooring. While they provide a pleasant look and natural feel to wooden surfaces, protection against liquids, especially water, and mechanical stability are often unsatisfactory. Inspired by the water-repellent properties of the natural lotus leaf, we propose a new approach for bio-based wood coatings that combines the beneficial effect of natural wax with the mechanical strength of cellulose nanocrystals. We hypothesize that micrometer-sized wax particles coated with hydrophobized cellulose nanocrystals can be produced in an emulsion-based process. Furthermore, we propose that once applied to a wood surface, either in combination with a natural oil or alternatively as a stand-alone solution, the microscale texture of the wax particles in combination with the nanoscale texture of the hydrophobic cellulose nanocrystals imparts strong water repellent properties to the surface. It is expected that the presence of cellulose nanocrystals will also significantly improve the mechanical resistance of the coating system. Overall, the proposed project thus aims to achieve significant scientific novelty in bio-based wood coatings, while at the same time providing a clear vision for practical application.

We have reached a point where we have to use recycled wood, which is mostly contaminated, to a greater extent because there is a shortage of raw wood in the EU. At the same time, in pulp mills, we produce large amounts of lignin, however, use it mainly for energy purposes. LignoMBB is bringing technology for the production of mycelium-based biocomposites (MBB), during which recycled wood is decontaminated. Secondly, LignoMBB is using lignin, which is currently mainly used for energy and is understood as a by- or waste product, in order to achieve better mycelial growth on the developed substrate. I am the first to suggest enriching the substrate for the production of MBB with lignin, expecting that the addition of lignin will result in better mechanical properties of the MBB. LignoMBB develops materials only from recycled wood and lignin, i.e. it does not use agricultural residues, as is currently common practice, and does not endanger food security. At the same time, it finds application for large volumes of old contaminated wood, which is currently entering circulation. My first objective is to develop a technology for the material use of lignin and a substitution technology of agricultural residues in MBBs with lignin and recycled wood. Then, I will answer the questions: To which extent additional lignin in MBB is consumed by fungi? What are the limits of substrate enrichment by lignin? In accordance with the second objective, I will develop a novel MBB to be used in structural applications. At different stages of the MBB cycle, I will measure the VOC emissions because I am hypothesizing that the production process of MBB can act as bioremediation and decreases VOC emissions from materials. LignoMBB will be implemented at BOKU in Bio-Resources & Technologies Tulln group, where the emphasis is placed on cradle-to-cradle design and brings to this group methods of recycled wood decontamination and production of fully degradable MBB.

Photonic structures based on cellulose were discovered in plants, which reflect light at a certain wavelength and develop intensive, durable and non-bleaching colours. The principle can be artificially mimicked using cellulose obtained from wood to create environmental friendly and non-hazardous colourants, and is especially interesting for colouring wood, the colour-resource itself. Commercially available coatings or pigments applied on wood materials are usually synthetic, often hazardous, release pollutants into the environment and hinder recycling processes since they possess different chemical and physical properties. Cellulose nanocrystals extracted from wood are able to create the required photonic structure, and are studied as bio-based alternative for fadeless and durable wood coatings within the aim of the project. Thus, material and surface consist of one material origin, which facilitates reuse and recycling. The production follows the principles of circular economy to contribute towards a more sustainable future. Therefore, cellulose nanocrystals will be obtained from side-products of the wood and agricultural industry and their ability to create colour will be investigated. Their performance regarding improved durability, colour- and UV-stability when applied on wood surfaces will be studied and bio-based non-volatile additives to create a wider colour range will be tested. In cooperation between BOKU, New Design University and international partners, the fundamentals for designing fully recyclable wood products will be explored.