Our Applied Research Fields

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research

© Fraunhofer WKI

The Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institute expands its research and service activities. Due to this trend the research fields receive updated names. As usual, you'll find information about focal fields and contacts on this site.

Research Fields

Technology for Wood-based Materials

Besides procedural innovations primarily new products or product types contribute to a more widespread application of wood-based materials. The development and the optimization of wood-based materials belong to the classic research fields of the WKI. While only a few years ago particle board was the main focus of numerous research projects, today it is primarily MDF and structure-oriented wood-based materials offering a high innovation potential.

Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry

For many years environmental protection has an important significance in the public discussion caused by the criteria concerning water, soil and air quality as well as the environmental compatibility of consumer-oriented products becoming constantly more severe. This development affects the fields of activity of an application-oriented research facility. Numerous tasks spread open for a scientist, which are reflected in the research spectrum of this department.

Surface Technology

The Department »Surface Technology« of the Fraunhofer WKI comprises the whole value chain in the field of the wood coating and resins. This includes the synthesis of innovative binder materials for coatings and adhesives, coating formulations and industrial application tools as well as testing, certification and damage analysis of coatings for and / or on wood. Focal point of the R&D activities is the utilization of sustainable raw materials such as vegetable oils and sugars.

Structural Engineering and Construction

Our task is the development and the optimization of building components made of wood or wood-based materials to improve the fitness for use, to open up new and to enlarge existing application possibilities, as well as the reduction of costs. Building components made of wood and wood-based materials are submitted to important mechanical and building-physical requirements and have to maintain confidently their properties throughout the entire life cycle of the building.

Quality Assessment

The testing body is accredited (DAP-PL-2071.00) and possesses the competence to carry out tests according to DIN EN 45001 regarding the mechanical-technological and physical properties of wood and wood-based materials, and to determine the formaldehyde content of coated and uncoated wood-based materials.