The concept of a circular economy offers a solution to growing global issues, such as waste and pollution, by stating that after an object's intended use, it should be reused or recycled instead of being disposed of. Thermosets are extremely useful engineering plastics, in which chemical crosslinks enhance mechanical strength but also make further processing (thus recycling) difficult. One approach lies in the development of stimuli-responsive thermoset adhesives that would allow adhered materials to be debonded and recycled.

One area of focus in the WoodTec – Adhesives Bonding group is the study of wood debonding, specifically related to engineered beams utilized in the construction industry. As the economy transitions from fossil fuel to bio-based, wood will become increasingly important in the construction industry. This research offers a unique solution to decrease wood waste in the construction industry and offers a chance for wood to re-enter the circular economy without decreasing its value.

Natural fiber reinforcements (NFRP's) can improve the bending strength and stiffness of timber beams, and lead to a homogenization of the material properties. This alleviates the risk of wood defects in critical areas and allows for the usage of lower quality wood for structural members.

Furthermore, natural fibers consist of the same substances as wood and are therefore perfectly suited to be used in a joint combination with wood while exclusively using naturally grown raw materials. In a current project, we are investigating the most performing, ecological, and economical way of gluing NFRP reinforcements to spruce wood beams.