Wood Science & Technology Laboratory
Last changed: 16 March 2023
Infrastructure for fundamental and applied research on wood and fiber (ultra)structure, properties, and advanced wood- and fiber-based products.
Research infrastructure of key importance includes facilities for electron microscopy (TEM/SEM) including advanced EM preparative facilities for biological samples, wet and dry automated particle size analysis, laboratory drying kiln, cold and hot impregnation systems for industrial and laboratory treatments, fungal testing (i.e. durability), PCR, extensive fungal herbarium, wood adhesives testing, manufacturing of wood composites, mechanical testing of bio-materials, chemical laboratory with HPLC, TGA, DSC, rheology and spectroscopy, and 4 outdoor test sites in Sweden and the tropics. The laboratory is accredited by SWEDAC according to ISO 17 025 standard and offers durability testing and development of formulations for wood protection and modification as well as chemical characterization and mechanical testing of bio-materials. The above facilities are available for research (fundamental/applied) and pilot-scale development, industrial cooperation and undergraduate and post-graduate education.
Electron microscope unit
Electron microscopy unit for the preparation and processing of biomaterials for scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microsopy (TEM).
The electron microscope infrastructure consists of TEMs (Philips TEM CM12, FEI-Tecnai T20), SEMs (Philips XL30, Hitachi S-4500) and a range of conventional and more advanced preparation equipment (gold coaters, critical point dryer, freeze fracture, high pressure freezing, ultramicrotomes). The unit has been built up over last 25 years via competitive grants from FORMAS, VINNOVA, Wallenberg and industry.
We provide help to scientists within/outside of SLU with interest to use the
technique through collaboration and/or consulting. The infrastructure has no financial support for instrument service or technical help from SLU and thus must take a service charge for use. While the infrastructure has its focus on wood and fibre ultrastructure, the nature of the technique makes them highly applicable for all types of life and physical science applications.
The infrastructure forms part of Uppsala Electron Microscope network which includes Uppsala University CEMPEG (Geology); Microscopy unit at EBC (Evolution Biology); EM-Unit at Medical Cell Biology, BMC (Cell Biology); Physical Chemistry – BMC; Analysis Laboratory at Ångström Laboratory and, SciLifeLab/BioVisplatform. (http://www2.teknik.uu.se/unem/). The network carries out an annual PhD course on TEM/SEM which includes both practical and theoretical aspects of electron microscopy.
Contact: Geoffrey Daniel
Fibres and Wood Composites unit
Unit for preparation and testing of wood adhesives, and lab-scale manufacturing of wood-based panels (particleboards, fibreboards, OSB, plywood, gypsum and cement boards).
Testing of wood adhesives is possible as there is availability of all the basic instruments, i.e. rheometer, viscosity and geltiming, pH meter, dispersers, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Automated Bonding Evaluation System (ABES), spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, UV, fluorescence), and bond strength evaluation in low (< 1 kN) and higher ranges.
Processing and analysis of wood and other biomass materials is done with hammer mill, chip classifier, ultrasonic sieving, and static and automated wet and dry fibre and particle analysis.
Different raw materials are used for making laboratory wood-based panels. For glue spaying with commercial and bio-based adhesive systems, we use a Lödige FM 130 D glue blender. A Hobart 30 L is used for mixing with inorganic binders, such as gypsum or cement. For pressing, we operate a Joos Laboratory Press LAP 200. End products are tested according to standards for their physical and mechanical properties: GreCon X-ray density profile analyser, NDT acoustic system BING, ACUPRO acoustic impedance system, MTS Criterion® Series 40 Electromechanical Universal Test System 1-10-100 kN, IMAL water bath for swelling tests, creep stage in a climate chamber, etc.
The infrastructure forms part of Treesearch.
Contact: Stergios Adamopoulos
Equipment at Wood Science & Technology Laboratory
Acoustic impedance system
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
ACUPRO Version 5.0 |
Application frequency range: 80-5650 Hz |
Measurement of acoustical properties of materials according to ISO 10534-2, ASTM E1050, and ASTM E2611 |
Acoustic wood quality analysis system
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
BING® (Beam Identification by Nondestructive Grading) software version 2023 |
Signal sampling frequency of 40000 Hz and spectral acquisition of 16,384 points |
Flexural vibration measurements |
Anemometer
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Anemometer (lufthastighetsgivare). |
0-20 m/s |
± 0.1 m/s
|
Automated Bonding Evaluation System
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
ABES |
Auxiliary transducer (125 N) and adaptors (2500 N) |
Bond forming and testing according to ASTM D7998 − 15 |
Automated fibre analyser
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
QICPIC/L06 |
Dynamic image analysis particle measurement, Measurement range 0.55 μm to 33,792 μm |
Combined dry and wet dispersing system |
Balance 0.1 g
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Sartorius Entris® II Essential Line Precision Balance BCE 2201-1S |
Capacity: 2200 g |
Pan dimensions: 182 × 182 mm |
Balance Mettler
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Balance Mettler |
Max: 8100 g |
± 0.1 g (0-8100 g) |
|
Balance Mettler |
Max: 80/400 g |
± 0.001 g (0-80 g) ± 0.01 g (80-400g) |
Balance Sauter
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Balance Sauter |
Max: 120 kg |
± 0.002 kg (0-120 kg) |
Chip classifier
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Muototerä MT300 |
Motor: 2,2 kW 3~/400VAC 50Hz, Stroke: 120mm, Frequency: 160±10 cycles/min |
Screen boxes according standard SCAN-CM 40:01. Box dimensions (inside): 90x400x650 mm. Screen boxes: 1) Screen plate-hole 45 mm 2) Slot tray 8 mm 3) Screen plate, hole 13 mm 4) Screen plate, hole 7 mm 5) Screen plate, hole 3 mm 6) Fines pan |
Climate chamber for timber
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Climate chamber for timber |
Volume 35 m3 Temp. 25˚C, RH 70% |
± 2°C ± 5% RH |
Climate chambers for wood samples, fungal growth, etc.
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Climate chambers for wood samples, fungal growth, etc.
|
Climate 1 temp. 15˚C Cilmate 2 temp. 25˚C, RH 70% |
± 0.2°C (15-25°C) |
Constant climate chamber
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Memmert HPP1060eco |
Volume: 1060 l, Max. loading of chamber: 200 kg, Working temperature: 0 to +70 °C, Range humidity: 10 - 90 % |
Accuracy temperature: 0.1 °C, Accuracy humidity: 0.5 % |
Creep stage for wood-based panels
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Aluminium construction 1880×1140×860 mm (L×W×H) |
Max 20 positions with load frames (standard wood-based panel dimensions for bending tests), according to EN 1156:2013, adjustable |
Deflection measurement with a digital indicator: Sylvac S_Dial WORK ADVANCED 150 mm (0.001 mm, maximum error of 3 μm) |
Disperser
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
ULTRA-TURRAX® T 18 digital |
Volume H2O: 1-1500 ml, Speed range: 3000-25000 rpm |
Dispersion, homogenisation |
Digital gauge
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Mitutoyo Digital Indicator ID-H, 543-561D with gauge stand with hardened steel anvil 90×90 mm |
Range: 30.4 mm |
Thickness swelling of wood panels, Repeatability: 0.001 mm |
Digital termometer Testo
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Digital termometer Testo |
Temperature 20-120°C |
± 0.2°C (15-105°C) |
DSC 3 STARe system
| Model | Capacity | Notes, measuring uncertainty |
| DSC 3 STARe system Metler Toledo, with Huber TC45 cooling system | -30 to 500 C | Thermal analyses of materials |
Drying ovens
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Three drying ovens |
Volume ca. 0.2, 0.3 and 0.8 m3 Temperature 20-120°C |
± 1°C (15-105°C) |
Drying oven for chips and fibres
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
POL-ECO Aparatura SLW 1000 IG SMART |
Chamber capacity: 1005 l |
Forced air conversion, Temperature range: 5 to 300°C, Temperature fluctuation at 105°C: ± 0.6°C, Temperature variation at 105°C: ± 3.0°C |
Glue blender for batch operation
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Lödige Ploughshare® Mixer FM 130 D |
Total volume: 131 dm3, Working capacity 25-70 %, Liquid addition with 2 pressure vessels 3.0 l each |
Blending adhesives with wood particles and fibres for board production |
Hammer mill
| Model | Capacity | Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
F3 Electra |
5.5 kW 3 phase motor, Standard screens diam: 1.5-2-3-4-5-6-8-10 mm, Reinforced screens diam: 0.8-1 mm | Frequency inverter for speed adjustment |
Hitachi Chromaster
| Model | Capacity | Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Hitachi Chromaster HPLC with DAD and ELSD90 detectors nParker domnick hunter N2 generator |
Oven temperature up 85 C | ELSD 90: sugar & other molecules analysis; DAD: biocides and other molecules with chromophores |
Hitachi F-7000 Fluorescence spectrophotometer
| Model | Capacity | Notes, measuring uncertainty |
| Hitachi F-7000 Fluorescence spectrophotometer |
Measuring wavelength range: 200 to 750 nm |
Wavelength scan, 3-dimentional scan measurement, photometry mode |
Hitachi U-2910 UV spectrophotometer
| Model | Capacity | Notes, measuring uncertainty |
| Hitachi U-2910 UV spectrophotometer |
Scanning :190 to 1100 nm |
Wavelength scan |
Hot plate
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Ceran® 33A/SR |
Temp: regulation from 50 to 500 °C, Power: 4400 W |
Plate material: Ceramic glass, Plate size: 430×430 mm |
Hydraulic press
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Joos-Laboratory-Press LAP 200 |
Maximum press force 2000 kN, Setting range 10 - 100 %, Total pressing area 600 x 600 mm, Specific pressure with full load 5.6 N/mm², Height of the pressing area 500 mm, Pressing speed max. 3 mm/s adjustable, Maximum operating temperature 250°C, Heating-cooling platen with controlled cooling function |
Temperature accuracy at the platen surface in static condition ± 5°C, Planeness of ≤ 0.1 mm, Central SPS control Siemens S7-1200 |
Impregnation autoclave
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
ESSVERK |
Volume ca. 2 m3 Pressure 0-15 bar Vacuum 0-95% |
For vacuum-pressure impregnation of materials with water-based formulations |
|
ESSVERK |
Volume ca. 10 dm3 Pressure 0-10 bar Vacuum 0-95% Temperature 20-160°C |
For vacuum-pressure impregnation of materials with oil-based formulations |
Laboratory moisture meter
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
IMAL UM3000 |
Weighting full scale: 1000 g, Moisture content measuring range (autorange): 0 – 99% |
Wood chips and fibres, Heat by infrared lamp, Scale accuracy: 0.01 g |
Laboratory ultrasonic sifter
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
IMAL VU200 |
Screen diameter: internal 129 mm, Standard MDF sieve mesh set: 1.98 mm, 1.24 mm, 0.514 mm, 0.217 mm, 0.131 mm, 0.089 mm |
Use of acoustic vibration to stop chips/ fibres from accumulating |
Microwave treatment line
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Microwave treatment line Muegge |
2 magnetrons Power 2 × 30 kW Frequency 2.45 GHz |
For treatment of bio-materials with microwaves |
PerkinElmer Spectrum
| Model | Capacity | Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
PerkinElmer Spectrum two FTIR spectrometer with ATR |
Reflection and transmission mode | Used for every day analyses of chemicals, biomaterials |
pH meter phenomenal
| Model | Capacity | Notes, measuring uncertainty |
| pH meter phenomenal pH 1000L | -2 to 20 | pH of solutions |
Planetary mixer
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Hobart HSM 30-F3E |
Power: 1.1 kW, Capacity: 28.75 l, No. of speeds 3: 68-178-312 rpm |
Corrosion resistant floor standing mixer with timer, bowl, beater, whip & hook |
Platform scale
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
KERN IOC 30K-3M |
Display: LCD 25 mm, Range: 15 / 30 kg, Weighing plate: 400 × 300 × 110 mm |
Reproducibility: 5 / 10 g |
Rheometer
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
HAAKE MARS 60 |
Frequency range: 0.000001 to 100 Hz, Rotational speed: 10-7 to 4500 rpm, Normal force: 0.01 to 50 N, Clamps for Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), different cone and plate geometries (20-35 mm), Peltier temperature module -60 to 200 oC |
Normal force resolution: 0.001 N |
Static fibre analyser
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
FibreShape PRO FH system |
Up to 60000 fibres in one image, image analysis and reporting according to ISO 13322-1 and ISO 9276, 2 scanners to both cover a measurement range 3 μm - 2 cm length and 2 μm - 3 mm thickness |
Flock fibres, wood chips and fibres, aramid fibres, wool fibres, flax fibres, other plant fibres (hemp, sisal, etc.) |
Sterilisation autoclaves
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
2 sterilisation autoclaves |
Volume ca. 0.35 m3 Pressure 0-1 bar Temperature 20-120°C |
For sterilization of materials for biological tests |
Thermogravimetric analyser
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
TGA 2 - STARe System |
Temp. range: RT – 1100 °C, Heating rate (/min): 0.02 - 150 K, Measurement range: up to 1 g, Flow rate of gas controller: 0.1 - 200 mL/min |
Temperature accuracy & precision: ± 1 K & ± 0.6 K, Weighing accuracy & precision: 0.005 & 0.0025 % |
Tunnel for aging of wood samples
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Tunnel for aging of wood samples |
Volume ca. 1.8 m3 Air velocity 1 m/s Temperature 20-40°C |
± 2°C ± 0.1 m/s |
Universal testing machine
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
Shimadzu AG-X |
Max force 50 000 N |
For testing of a number of wood mechanical properties |
Universal testing machine
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
MTS Criterion® Series 40 Electromechanical Universal Test System |
Load cells: 1-10-100 kN, Max speed: 750 mm/min |
Fixtures for 3 and 4-point bending, tensile, compression, and internal bond strength, Different displacement gages, pneumatic grips |
Viscometer
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
AMETEK Brookfield DV2T |
Max speed 200 rpm |
Equiped with geltimer coupling assembly and thermosel oven |
Water bath for swelling test
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
IMAL SW200 |
Number of samples per rack: in relation to thickness (between 24 and 136 samples), Nominal sample size: 50×50 mm, Water volume: 33 l |
Working temperature (EN 317): 20 °C, Temperature range: 0° - 100 °C, Temperature stability: ± 1 °C, Minimum temperature resolution: 0.1 °C |
X-ray density profile analyser
|
Model |
Capacity |
Notes, measuring uncertainty |
|
GreCon DAX 6000 |
Density range: 75 to 1.500 kg/m³, Resolution: 0,01 Kg/m³ and 20 μm |
Wood-based boards (no gypsum- or cement-bonded boards), Repeatability: ± 2 Kg/m³ (± 1 σ) |