Wood technology

Objective: to undertake and oversee research and investigative work from conceptual model through to operational application in the field of wood technology and to find solutions of scientific and industrial problems in an active and beneficial manner providing new practice opportunities.

• Wood structure, physical and mechanical properties. Knowledge on wood structure is a pre-requisite for understanding of the physical and mechanical behaviour of wood that is further implemented in practical situations.
• Wood drying. Quality of wood drying is regarded worldwide as a key factor in the value-adding processing of wood products. Research is strongly directed to improving quality of drying, lowering costs and more efficient utilisation of drying facilities. Wood drying is inevitably related to alterations in the wood structure and properties.
• Wood protection. Research is focused on SWEDAC accredited laboratory and field testing and assessment of commercial and newly developed wood preservatives. Strong relations with the impregnation industry and participation in European standardization activities are part of the work for promotion of environmentally friendly preservative methods and products (Accredited testing).
• Wood modification concerns the development of modified wood for improved properties or durability. Performance of heat treated, oil and silicone based systems is tested and analysed. 
• Plant- and wood based products
  Research on plant- and wood based products is focused on key issues facing industrial needs and covers basic research areas such as adhesion and adhesives, designing of new plant- and wood based materials, materials science and testing as well, as manufacturing of new products.
• Education
  The Department of Forest Products is actively involved in the Wood Technology cluster at NOVA University and offers courses at PhD level striving to disseminate knowledge through a program of instruction and advanced study that is focused on current and future research techniques and novel wood technologies. We offer a annual PhD course in traditional industrial wood biodegradation and protection, to desseminate knowledge of current industrial practices in the field.

Contact person: Nasko Terziev