2007 Research Highlights

Research Area:
Strategic Goals: 1, 2
Forest Service Strategic Goal 6: Conduct mission-related work in addition to that which supports the agency goals.
SPAs: Fire, Invasive Species, Resource Management and Use

Durable, fire-resistant, engineered biocomposites

Key Contact: Jerrold Winandy jwinandy@fs.fed.us
Partner: Mississippi State University, Northern Research Station

Wood- and/or bio-fiber-composite technologies often perform for years as they are truly used in service. But users continually complain about strength, durability and fire-resistance. This series of studies directly addressed those concerns. The performance of these composites can be made to vary greatly, depending upon the raw materials and the processing systems used to fabricate the end product. Seven technical papers were published and numerous talks were given at national and international technical meetings, and several proposals were submitted for funding.

Yes. Composites can now be designed for specific end-performance characteristics by incorporating a wide variety of additives, resins, agricultural fibers, inorganic materials, non-wood synthetics, or three-dimensional design. We continue to identify and quantify ways to improve the performance, durability and value of composites.