PhD position Enhancement of the Durability and Fire Performance

• Location

Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)

• Mission

The aim of this research is to enhance the durability and fire resistance of veneer-based wood products by developing and optimizing a sustainable wood densification process. The study seeks to improveperformance characteristics of low-value hardwoods by the densification process, thereby increasing their value. Sustainable chemical modifications and energy-efficient low-temperature methods will be investigated for densification process and durability, and fire performance properties will be evaluated. The project addresses the following research questions: To what extent can fire performance be improved through densification without the use of synthetic fire retardants? What are the environmental impacts and sustainability metrics of the proposed densification process? How do changes in microstructure and chemical composition correlate with performance improvements? What new sustainable fire-retardant chemical can be used for densified veneers?

• Skills

Master´s degree in the field of wood technology, wood science, materials technology and science,
wood chemistry, forestry.
Familiar with methods, procedures and safety of wood chemistry, wood technology or composite material technology, materials technology and science which allows to work independently
Excellent communication skills (written and spoken) in English

• Application

The candidate should submit a research plan for the topic, including the overall research and data collection strategy. The candidate can expand on the listed research questions and tasks and propose theoretical lenses to be used

• Contact

For further information, please contact Prof. Heikko Kallakas heikko.kallakas@taltech.ee or visit
https://taltech.ee/en/department-materials-and-environmental-technology