Wood - Material

Aim

The aim of this course is for the student to obtain thorough knowledge about wood as a material. Tree growth, wooden structure and properties, its microstructure, strength and relation to water. The student must also obtain knowledge of the most important Scandinavian wood species and be able to describe and identify these. In addition to a good knowledge of solid wood, the student should also have knowledge of many of the wood-based materials, wood composites and cellulose-based materials; how they are manufactured, their properties and possible applications. The students should also be able to compare wood with other materials and know and argue for the wood material’s advantages and disadvantages.

Content

The course contents consists of some interconnected parts: Trees - Where and how they grow and their physical structure. Wood - Anatomy, microstructure, physical properties. Forestry, sawing and drying Wood.Water and wood – moisture relations and how wood dries. Why wood? Ethics, environment, recycling, emissions, differences to other groups of materials. Wood-based materials - particle/fiber boards - lightweight panels - modern wood - cellulose based materials. How to choose the right wood material.Some lectures are given by invited guest lecturer in various areas of expertise. The lectures are based on the course literature, but are complemented with some extra material in some areas during the course.