Assessment of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Recycled Wood Products
The Forest Products Research Centre (FPRC), Bucks Chiltern University College, have been commissioned to a project to objectively assess and define the typical properties of recycled wood products (RWP’s), including their mechanical and physical characteristics.
Key Aims
- To obtain support of manufacturers to ensure a representative range of products are sampled.
- Develop a research methodology to identify and measure the mechanical and physical properties of recycled wood products.
- Research to assess the performance characteristics of products where possible, and to trial these under appropriate conditions.
- Develop outline recommendations regarding potential improvement or development to existing recycled wood products that could enhance performance, based on the results of these trials.
Background
In the UK, wood products are recycled for a range of end uses including chipboard, surfacing material, animal bedding and fuel. For most applications, waste wood is chipped to form particles of a particular size range and dust and fines are screened out. The mechanical and physical properties of these recycled wood products determine their performance and are the grounds for comparison with alternatives with which they compete.
The purpose of this work is to objectively assess and define the typical properties of recycled wood products, in particular their mechanical and physical properties. This includes consideration of bulk density, fibre length, moisture content, particle size distribution, particle geometry, particle strength, water absorption, impact absorption, insulation properties and typical contamination levels (dusts and fines).
Performance testing aims to compare the relationships between properties of recycled wood products and their behaviour and performance in use, and to assess how this varies. To effectively market these products, this information is important. Furthermore, characteristics and properties of recycled wood products, in some cases, may make them more attractive materials compared to alternatives, either through lifespan, performance capability under different conditions, or ease of use.
Scope of Work
The FPRC proposes a programme of field trials and laboratory tests to establish the fundamental performance characteristics of the recycled wood products.
A range of recycled wood products will be assessed and these will represent a range of manufacturers of the products. Products to be measured will include: surfacing products for pathways, equestrian gallops, arenas and bridleways; playground surfacing; horticultural mulches, both coloured and natural; animal bedding products for equine, poultry, cattle and domestic pet use; domestic pet litter.
Performance characteristics to be assessed will include bulk density, moisture sorption, particle size and geometry, resistance to de fragmentation impact absorption to EN1177, compaction, resistance to ignition and wheel-chair accessibility.
Some performance testing of recycled wood products in situ will also be carried out. These field trials will help to assess the relative performance of the material in use. The project will establish and monitor sites for surfacing products, mulches and animal bedding testing. Some of these trials will be set up and monitored with the assist of Berkshire College of Agriculture, who will work as a subcontractor to the University Collage.
The performance and trials testing results will enable industry to benchmark their own products against information found, and the work should also identify opportunities for product improvement or new application possibilities.
Lead Organisation Notes:
Dr. Andrew Pitman
Forest Products Research Centre
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP11 2JZ
Documents
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Guide to Marketing Recycled Wood Products
3129 kb
The markets, opportunities and marketing guidance.
