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. Tests regarding the suitability of different adhesive systems for various wood-based materials belong also to the focal fields as well as investigations aiming at an effective utilization of raw materials. To this end, besides wood other regenerative raw materials like flax, hemp and agrarian residues are processed to board materials and tested. A new focus is formed by composites reinforced with natural fibers, so-called Wood-Plastic-Composites (WPC).

WKI's pilot plant station allows the manufacture of all well-established wood-based materials as well as the investigation of their mechanical and hydric properties. The equipment comprises different facilities for pre-breaking, for particle preparation and for manufacture of wood fibers. Different blenders are available for the gluing process allowing a adhesive addition which is adapted to the raw material. Two modern SPS controlled hot presses simulate also the continuous industrial pressing process. A pressing surface of 1200 x 1600 mm² allows the manufacture of board dimensions corresponding to a small industrial scale. A new extruder unit completes the existing refiner plant to a closed WPC manufacturing process.