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)

Contact