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UBB Project Revolutionizes Wood Industry with New Technologies

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Researchers at the Universidad del Bío-Bío have developed a pioneering procedure that promises to transform the use of wood in sustainable construction.

The Fondef project, led by Dr. Rubén Ananías Abuter from the Department of Wood Engineering at the Universidad del Bío-Bío (UBB), has successfully concluded, presenting an innovative process that significantly improves the properties of eucalyptus and lenga wood. This advancement, supported by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), was highlighted during the project's closing event held in the Wood Engineering Auditorium.

The Director of the UBB Innovation Office emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry partners, such as Lengas Patagónicas and CMPC-Maderas SpA, for the success of the initiative. Carlos Levín from Lengas Patagónicas expressed pride in contributing to a project that enhances the quality and value of lenga wood, opening new opportunities in the construction industry.

The developed hybrid RFV/MTM initiative combines radiofrequency vacuum drying (RFV) with modified thermal wood treatment (MTM), achieving a balance between time and quality at reasonable costs and in an environmentally friendly manner. This treatment not only speeds up wood processing but also results in high-quality material for engineered products and sustainable construction.

Dr. Ananías Abuter presented a prototype of a three-layer cross-laminated timber product, featuring RFV/MTM-treated eucalyptus in the outer layers and an RFV-treated lenga core layer, validated at an industrial scale with a technology readiness level of TRL4. Additionally, a national patent application has been filed, and the process has been shared with the Curacautín Wood Cooperative, among others.

This project benefits not only eucalyptus and lenga forest producers but also sawmills, engineered product manufacturers, the furniture industry, prefabricated construction, and architectural firms designing wood-based housing projects, providing a more durable and stable material.

Dr. Ananías Abuter highlights the challenging and inspiring nature of the project, which offers a quality solution to the technological need for drying and thermally modifying sawn eucalyptus and lenga wood, granting new functionalities for developing engineered products aimed at sustainable construction.