Development and industrial application of structural high performance composites based on wood (HIPWOOD)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE SICOMP AB - RISE SICOMP AB, Piteå |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | April 2019 - December 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-Driven Innovation – Stage 1 initiation |
| Call | Challenge-Driven Innovation stage 1 initiation – 2019 |
Purpose and goal
HIPWOOD stage 1 project aims to evaluate the feasibility of developing 3-D formable, lightweight high-performance composites based on wood and upgrading the mechanical and physical properties of old wood and wood scraps. Comparisons of tested properties with flax/epoxy and glass/epoxy composites as well as some metal alloys show that HIPWOOD can become a competitive high-performance lightweight material. A stage 2 project will be applied to provide feasible solutions to scalable processing and products.
Expected results and effects
Impressive properties of conceptual HIPWOOD from both fresh and old wood, including stiffness to density ratio, strength to density ratio and flame retardancy were achieved in the stage 1 project. Comparisons of tested properties with flax/epoxy and glass/epoxy composites as well as some metal alloys show that HIPWOOD can become a competitive high-performance lightweight material. Feasible ways to improve the mechanical and physical properties of HIPWOOD and the manufacturing technology were identified. Potential of HIPWOOD in versatile applications was also discussed.
Planned approach and implementation
A consortium composed of state-owned forest industry Sveaskog, construction and composite industry representative Podcomp, world leading high pressure forming technology company Quintus Technologies, and European leading composite research institute RISE SICOMP, was built up in the stage 1 project to evaluate the feasibility of the HIPWOOD concept. The innovative concept was verified, and the consortium will move forward with more partners in a next stage to implement the concept for scalable processing and products.