Processing of wood residues into 3D bio-composites
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 mold and cooled to a 3D product (shell on the photos). The materials used are environmentally friendly, su
itable for food contact and recyclable.
Authors: dr. Maks Merela and M.Sc. Daša Krapež Tomec, Department of Wood Science of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana
Photos by: dr. Maks Merela
Circular economy
