Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MULTI-WOOD (Multi-functionalization of wood with bio-based approach MULTI-WOOD)
Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-08-31
The MULTI-WOOD project aimed to address critical environmental and industrial challenges by developing innovative wood treatment solutions using bio-based compounds derived from residual industrial and agricultural streams. Wood, as a renewable and versatile material, plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future. However, its natural properties, such as susceptibility to UV degradation, moisture damage, and biological decay, often limit its durability and application. Current wood treatments rely heavily on fossil-based chemicals, which pose environmental and health concerns. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing reliance on petrochemical products, the project aligns with the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The overall objective was to enhance wood’s properties, including UV resistance, moisture repellence, and microbiological durability, using renewable materials that could be seamlessly integrated into existing industrial processes. The project also aimed to reduce the environmental footprint of wood treatments, contribute to circular bioeconomy practices, and support Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral future by 2050.
Despite its early termination, the project achieved notable milestones, such as developing and testing bio-based formulations and publishing findings in open-access journals. These results demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating bio-based solutions into wood treatments, setting the stage for future industrial applications. The outcomes of the MULTI-WOOD project offer a glimpse into the potential of sustainable innovation to revolutionize the wood processing industry. By replacing fossil-based products with renewable alternatives, the project provides a pathway toward more responsible consumption and production patterns, fostering economic, environmental, and societal benefits at both local and global scales.
Despite its early termination, the project achieved notable milestones, such as developing and testing bio-based formulations and publishing findings in open-access journals. These results demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating bio-based solutions into wood treatments, setting the stage for future industrial applications. The outcomes of the MULTI-WOOD project offer a glimpse into the potential of sustainable innovation to revolutionize the wood processing industry. By replacing fossil-based products with renewable alternatives, the project provides a pathway toward more responsible consumption and production patterns, fostering economic, environmental, and societal benefits at both local and global scales.
The MULTI-WOOD project focused on advancing sustainable wood treatment solutions by utilizing bio-based materials derived from industrial and agricultural residues. The project aimed to improve wood properties such as UV resistance, water repellence, and durability, while reducing reliance on fossil-based chemicals. Summary of the technical and scientific activities performed and their main achievements:
- Development of Bio-Based Formulations: The main activities of the project were focused on the development of water-based wood treatment formulations that are both eco-friendly and effective. Active compounds were extracted using advanced techniques, including ultrasound-assisted and alkaline extraction methods. These bio-based solutions were designed to target specific properties, such as UV resistance, hydrophobicity, and microbiological durability. The formulations combined various residual fractions, leveraging their unique chemical properties to create multifunctional solutions.
- Testing and Characterization: A testing methodology was implemented to evaluate the efficacy of the bio-based treatments. Softwood samples (Pinus sylvestris) were impregnated with the formulations through pressure-vacuum processes. After treatment, the samples underwent detailed characterization, focusing on the following properties: (a) UV Stability: Treated wood demonstrated significantly enhanced resistance to UV-induced degradation, as indicated by improved color stability during accelerated aging tests. (b) Water Repellency: The hydrophobicity of treated wood surfaces revealed a marked increase in water resistance. (c) Leachability: Combined formulations showed reduced leachability, indicating long-term stability.
- Development of Protocols: Protocols for the preparation, functionalization, and application of bio-based formulations were established. These detailed protocols ensure reproducibility and provide a foundation for scaling up wood treatment processes.
Main Achievements: Two peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences showcased the advancements of the project in bio-based wood treatments. Moreover, the project advanced knowledge in the functionalization of wood using renewable resources, contributing to the growing field of sustainable materials science.
- Development of Bio-Based Formulations: The main activities of the project were focused on the development of water-based wood treatment formulations that are both eco-friendly and effective. Active compounds were extracted using advanced techniques, including ultrasound-assisted and alkaline extraction methods. These bio-based solutions were designed to target specific properties, such as UV resistance, hydrophobicity, and microbiological durability. The formulations combined various residual fractions, leveraging their unique chemical properties to create multifunctional solutions.
- Testing and Characterization: A testing methodology was implemented to evaluate the efficacy of the bio-based treatments. Softwood samples (Pinus sylvestris) were impregnated with the formulations through pressure-vacuum processes. After treatment, the samples underwent detailed characterization, focusing on the following properties: (a) UV Stability: Treated wood demonstrated significantly enhanced resistance to UV-induced degradation, as indicated by improved color stability during accelerated aging tests. (b) Water Repellency: The hydrophobicity of treated wood surfaces revealed a marked increase in water resistance. (c) Leachability: Combined formulations showed reduced leachability, indicating long-term stability.
- Development of Protocols: Protocols for the preparation, functionalization, and application of bio-based formulations were established. These detailed protocols ensure reproducibility and provide a foundation for scaling up wood treatment processes.
Main Achievements: Two peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences showcased the advancements of the project in bio-based wood treatments. Moreover, the project advanced knowledge in the functionalization of wood using renewable resources, contributing to the growing field of sustainable materials science.
The MULTI-WOOD project advanced sustainable wood treatment technologies by developing bio-based formulations derived from residual fractions from agroforestry activities. These innovations push the boundaries of current wood treatments, offering renewable alternatives to fossil-based chemicals while enhancing wood properties like UV resistance and water repellence.
To ensure the full uptake and success of the MULTI-WOOD project outcomes, several key areas require attention. Further research is necessary to optimize formulations for hardwood species, expand testing to include fire resistance and microbial protection and evaluate long-term durability under various conditions. Demonstration efforts are essential, with pilot-scale trials needed to validate the performance of bio-based treatments in industrial settings and develop processes that integrate into existing wood treatment lines. Finally, the development of supportive regulatory and standardization frameworks is crucial. Ensuring compliance with existing environmental and safety regulations while advocating for new standards to validate the performance and sustainability of bio-based materials will facilitate broader adoption and long-term success.
To ensure the full uptake and success of the MULTI-WOOD project outcomes, several key areas require attention. Further research is necessary to optimize formulations for hardwood species, expand testing to include fire resistance and microbial protection and evaluate long-term durability under various conditions. Demonstration efforts are essential, with pilot-scale trials needed to validate the performance of bio-based treatments in industrial settings and develop processes that integrate into existing wood treatment lines. Finally, the development of supportive regulatory and standardization frameworks is crucial. Ensuring compliance with existing environmental and safety regulations while advocating for new standards to validate the performance and sustainability of bio-based materials will facilitate broader adoption and long-term success.