BPI Seminar by Shiying Zhang

Interface Engineering Drives Next-Generation Robust Wood Bonds

Location: CHBE #202, 2360 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4

Agenda

• 12:00 PM Introduction by Dr. Orlando Rojas
• 12:05 PM Presentation by Dr. Shiying Zhang, Visiting PhD Student, Aalto University
• 12:45 PM Q&A

*Sandwiches and coffee will be provided from 11:45 AM.

Click to add to Outlook Calendar

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable buildings and new ways to reduce carbon emissions have increased interests in engineered wood as a promising solution. Consequently, there is a rising need for wood applications that combine high mechanical performance with environmental sustainability. A common approach involves laminating multiple layers of wood to form larger and more durable structures. However, the overall mechanical performance of such products depends critically on the quality of the bonding between layers.

This research introduces an innovative and eco-friendly bonding strategy based on a cellulose solution derived from pulp dissolved in an ionic liquid (IL)—a renewable polymer that constitutes the primary structural component of plant cell walls. The cellulose–IL solution readily penetrates the wood microstructure and swells the cell walls. Under the combined action of heat and pressure, followed by regeneration in water, the process induces the formation of densely interlocked cell walls with lumina filled by regenerated cellulose, thereby creating a tight and permanent bonding structure between wood layers.

The result is a strong, water-resistant bond that is almost twice as strong as regular solid wood. This sustainable bonding method has great potential to improve the performance and environmental impact of wood products used in construction and beyond.

About the Speaker

Shiying Zhang is a Doctoral Researcher at Aalto University, Finland, specializing in advanced wood technology for sustainable construction materials. She earned her Master of Science (Technology) from Aalto University in 2023.

Her research focuses on developing bio-based and environmentally friendly wood modification techniques to improve the durability, strength, and sustainability of construction materials. She also has practical experience in dry-jet wet spinning of cellulosic materials. Shiying’s work bridges the fields of materials science, wood chemistry, and sustainable engineering, aiming to advance the use of wood as a high-performance, recyclable material in the built environment.

While at BPI, Shiying collaborates with the Biobased Colloids & Materials Group led by Dr. Orlando Rojas, advancing the research between wood engineering and biobased polymers.

Registration