UCL - Wooden material

[BREF2102]

[60h + 30h] 7 credits

This course is taught in the 1st & 2d semester.

Teacher(s):

Language: French

Level: Second

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

This course is separated in two parts. The first one "Wood anatomy and properties" gives the competence and knowledge to understand and analyze wood behaviour in relation with its composition and structure. It also contributes to apprehend the relationships between wood anatomy and tree physiology and to identify tree species (coniferous and hardwoods, temperate and tropical) on the basis of microscopic and macroscopic observations. The second part "Wood transformation and valorisation" gives the competence and knowledge which will allow students to understand processes and techniques of wood industrial valorisation as material and raw material as well as the environmental impacts of those transformation.

Main themes

- wood constituents and anatomical characteristics of gymnosperms and angiosperms
- compared anatomy of main ligneous species (temperate and tropical)
- wood chemistry and ultrastructure of the secondary cell wall
- wood defects and consequences on wood properties
- wood and water
- thermal, acoustic and electrical properties of wood
- mechanical properties of wood
- wood degradation by physical and biological agents
- sawing technology, wood physics and drying, wood preservation, pulp and paper technology, board products (veneer, plywood, particleboard, fibreboard
- new technologies for implementing wood properties
- environmental impacts of wood transformation

Content and teaching methods

The main course is separated in two main parts: "Wood anatomy and properties" (first semester, 4 ECTS) and "Wood transformation and valorisation" (second semester, 3 ECTS). This course is illustrated by numerous photos and wood samples. Invited speakers contribute to some chapters. The practical exercises concern species identification (temperate and tropical) and the calculation of wood physical and mechanical properties. Some firms of the wood industry are organized to illustrate the process of wood transformation.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Precursory courses Sylviculture, plant physiology, general botany and systematics

Evaluation
Oral examination with written preparation.
Support
Powerpoints
Teaching team
Prof. C. Vincke and O. Bouchez (technician)