Projects

Time: 04.2019 - 03.2022

Goal(s): 
This research is aiming to reduce the harm of plastic waste to nature by replacing the disposable plastics tableware material with modified reed materials and with reed reinforced biopolymer composites. This applied research is potentially aimed for tableware producer companies, who are seeking new materials for their production processes and who are looking for new environmentally friendly materials for replacing synthetic plastics as raw materials.
Result(s): 
Various possibilities for the use of reed in biocomposites were identified. During the work, suitable mixtures of reed biocomposite materials suitable for the production of biofood dishes were developed.

Time: 01.2024 - 12.2028

Description: 
This research topic focuses on the solutions of important development issues of novel environmentally friendly building materials from these bio-residues, with a focus on increasing fire resistance, which is necessary for the building materials applications. In order to cope with these challenges, this project will develop innovative materials for building panels based on biowaste and mycelium.

Time: 01.2024 - 12.2028

Description: 
Design and assessment methods are improved, and their scope widened to new innovative wood products based on experimental studies and thermo-mechanical simulations. This will accelerate the implementation of bio-based adhesives, improving the competitiveness and safety of the engineered wood products and promoting the utilization of low-quality wood species.

Publications

Authors: Kilumets C, Kallakas H, Ralph S, Zhu J.Y, Hunt CG, Rohumaa A, Kers J
Issue: Construction and Building Materials 451, 138795
Year: 2024
Authors: Kallakas H, Plaza N, Crooks C, Turner D, Gargulak M, Arvanitis MA, Frihart CR, Hunt CG
Issue: Polymers 16(2):202
Year: 2024