Scientists of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry in collaboration with the partners of the "BarkBuild" project have developed a dense, moisture-resistant board for use in construction. The material is produced from the solid residue left after extracting suberic acids from birch and polyphenolic compounds from spruce bark. Both byproducts are mixed in specific proportions and pressed at an elevated temperature to achieve the desired result.
Utilizing wood processing residues for the production of new composite materials is a significant step toward realizing the principles of a bioeconomy.
The "BarkBuild" project, part of the "ForestValue" ERA-NET program, has been underway since March 2022. Its goal is to develop new wood protection and construction materials based on industrially available wood bark waste. The project includes partners from Latvia (Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry), Sweden (Stockholm University), Slovenia (InnoRenew Excellence Centre), Poland (University of Life Sciences in Warsaw), Norway (NIBIO Institute), and Finland (VTT Institute).
The practical production of the composite material is an important result of the project, demonstrating the applicability of the developed technology.
A dense, moisture-resistant panel has been created for use in construction. The use of natural raw materials allows for a reduction in synthetic materials in everyday life, making buildings more environmentally friendly. This approach protects both the environment and human health.