Press release

Wood-based hybrid lightweight construction for the mobility sector:
Fraunhofer WKI with new perspectives at LIGNA

Braunschweig /

At LIGNA 2019, the researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI will be demonstrating possibilities for introducing the renewable raw material wood into structural application within the mobility sector. Wood-based (multi-material) lightweight components enable cost savings and a unique environmental balance through the utilization of a natural material.

© Fraunhofer WKI | Manuela Lingnau
Metal-wood laminated composite material for application in structural assemblies.

The scientists at the Fraunhofer WKI have determined the mechanical parameters for structure-lending components in vehicle construction by means of various parts, as well as their production costs and weight-savings compared to conventional materials. “The challenge regarding the usage of wood-based materials lies in, amongst other things, the complex 3D geometries as well as the mechanical properties of the components. Furthermore, demands arise concerning the accuracy of fit and the hygroscopic and thermal properties,” explains Project Leader Dr. Dirk Berthold.   

Sustainable solutions using a renewable raw material

On the Fraunhofer WKI stand at LIGNA, exemplary solutions will be presented, such as a seat which is attached to a structural component made from a metal-wood layered composite. This structural component made from wood-based multi-material systems fulfills the technical-structural and crash-relevant requirements for application in vehicles.

Furthermore, a seat shell consisting of a multi-layer veneer layered composite will be on display. For this, the standard materials normally used have been replaced by renewable raw materials. The advantage of the molded parts lies in, amongst other things, the weight reduction. Simultaneously, the molded parts exhibit a high rigidity and lead to an overall reduction of the production costs.

“The use of regionally readily available renewable raw materials such as wood increases the resource efficiency and sustainability,” summarizes Project Leader Dr. Berthold. The exhibits on display are of interest to, amongst others, the vehicle industry (e.g. automobiles, rail vehicles, shipping).

Accompanying research project on hardwood dusts

The exhibits contain hardwood, in particular beech. The overarching objective is the replacement of fossil raw materials with renewable raw materials. As more and more hardwoods will dominate the timber market, their utilization in industrial processing is obvious. In an accompanying research project, the researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI, in collaboration with their partners, pursued the question concerning the extent to which hardwood dusts have a carcinogenic effect and which measures might need to be undertaken. The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture via its project sponsor, the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (Agency for Renewable Resources, FNR).

New technologies in the specialist department

The department Technology for Wood and Natural Fiber-Based Materials at the Fraunhofer WKI addresses the entire process chain of molded-part production. Both classical and newly established technologies, such as vacuum and high-frequency presses, are thereby applied. In the department’s technical center, the depiction of the complete manufacturing process is possible, from peeling the veneer through to pressing the three-dimensional hybrid component.

 

Background: Fraunhofer WKI

Sustainability through the utilization of renewable raw materials has formed the focus at the Fraunhofer WKI for more than 70 years. The institute, with locations in Braunschweig, Hanover and Wolfsburg, specializes in process engineering, natural-fiber composites, wood and emission protection, quality assurance of wood products, material and product testing, recycling procedures and the utilization of organic building materials and wood in construction. Virtually all the procedures and materials resulting from the research activities are applied industrially.

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