The focus of our research is on the nanostructural and micromechanical characterization of wood and fibre composites and their modification in order to optimize material properties. For this purpose we analyze and transfer principles and mechanisms that can be found in nature to technical applications (biomimetic, bio-inspired materials).

For improving the dimensional stability and durability of wood and thereby increasing its reliability as a building material, the water uptake of the cell wall needs to be reduced. Polymer chemistry and nano(bio)technological methods are utilized to modify the cell wall accordingly. These principles of cell wall modification can also be used to introduce new functionalities to wood. This may lead to responsive materials and smart wooden devices which are able to perform directed movements.

• Reliability of wood
• Dimensional stability and durability of wood
• Functionalization of wood
• Smart wooden devices
• Hybrid materials, such as wood and carbon fibre composites
  
   

• Micromechanical testing of wood (bulk wood and single fibre tests)
• Chemical modification of wood
• Light-/Electron microscopy
• Spectroscopy
• X-ray scattering and diffraction

Contact: Ingo Burgert