Products made of wood and their production should not harm the environment nor impact human health. For this purpose, we cooperate intensively with the business community on developing alternative wood preservatives or coatings as well as ecological solutions in water flows in the paper industry. Our research also focuses on emissions from construction products and the well-being of people indoors. In doing so, we work with microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi and insects, using molecular biological methods for DNA analysis, and we use emission measuring chambers in conjunction with our chemical analytical laboratory. VOC in indoor air, airborne germs, and dust are also measured in rooms intended for living in.
Environmentally friendly materials
We conduct research in environmentally neutral materials to protect wood in order to make innovative technologies available whenever substances such as biocides, pigments, binders, solvents, or additives are restricted or prohibited by the authorities. The goals are sufficient biological effectiveness, good penetration and fixation as well as high weather resistance of wood preservatives, lacquers and glazes, with raw materials derived from renewable resources and showing a low environmental impact.
Ecotoxicological evaluation
Wood products and processes in pulp and paper production are improved in terms of their ecological relevance. Water samples from facilities or from leaching tests in weathering are examined for their ecotoxicity towards luminous bacteria, algae and water fleas. Water samples, wood samples, and soil samples are used to analyse material flows by means of chemical analyses.
Quality of indoor air
The air quality in living and working spaces is important for people's health. We research indoor air with a focus on emissions of formaldehyde, VOC, airborne germs and dust. For this, we analyse connections with emissions under controlled laboratory conditions.
Contact Person
Ecotoxicology, paper and pulp
Wood preservatives, biological effectiveness
Chemical biocide analytics, material flow
Emissions and indoor air quality
Our services
Indoor air and emission measurements
Air samples are obtained in chambers, with a FLEC cell, or in-situ, for example in the living or working area. Emission sources are examined, and VOC and formaldehyde are identified and quantified.
Wood preservatives
In our biological laboratory, we research the effectiveness of wood preservatives and treatment methods against wood-destroying insects and fungi, wood-staining fungi, mould, and algae.
Molecular biology
Species and quantity of microorganisms are determined using molecular biological techniques based on the available DNA. Biofilm on surfaces can thus be identified, quantified and monitored.
Ecotoxicology
Water samples are examined for their ecotoxicity with respect to luminous bacteria, algae and water fleas. Washing water from the field or laboratory or process water are the subject of assessments.
Chemical analysis
Analyses are carried out in solid or liquid samples, such as coatings, wood preservatives, treated wood, or process water. Gas measuring cells, chambers, and air sampling devices exist for VOC and fine dust.
Paper and pulp
Focal points are the environmental impact of process waste water, bleaching processes and complexing agents as well as microbiological studies in the paper manufacturing process using molecular biological processes.
Available infrastructure:
- Ecotoxicological lab
- Molecular biological laboratory
- Chemical analytical laboratory
- Wood protection lab
