Composites

Photo Credit

Forest Service photo

Composite materials, like pressed wood boards, can be made from residual wood products.

An integral part of the Forest Products Laboratory mission is to improve the long-term sustainability of our Nation's forests. One component of this work is creating valuable wood composite products from biobased materials and expanding their use into other markets.  The Forest Products Laboratory has a long history of research on composites.

Composites are made from a variety of materials such as fiber, particles, and flakes of small trees, wood waste, and other natural biofibers molded into shapes using resin or glue. Composites increase the use of undervalued materials and improve the economics of forest restoration projects.

Wood-based composites represent more than 40% of the total materials used in residential construction in North America, making them the largest single material type used. The popularity of wood-based composites stems from their ready availability, light weight, strength and cost-effectiveness. 

How Does it Apply?

This next generation of engineered bio-composites must provide materials and products that far exceed current expectations (such as lower cost, greater adaptability and reliability, lower maintenance), open new markets (such as commercial construction, automotive, aerospace), and reduce environmental impacts.

The Forest Products Laboratory has the expertise and facilities to meet the challenges of the evolving biobased composites sector. With a multidisciplinary approach and various laboratories, Forest Products Lab scientists can collaboratively expand the current level of performance of advanced engineered composite products and explore entirely new opportunities.