Location: Nutrition, Food Safety/Quality
Project Number: 0204-41510-001-088-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 6, 2019
End Date: Aug 5, 2023
Objective:
The focus area of this project will be that of developing evaluation techniques, materials and assemblies testing, and adding value to southern pine softwood and regional hardwood timber processing, developing novel products and markets, and enhancing the service performance and life of pine and other hardwood-based products. This pilot project addresses the critical objectives of employment in rural economies, maintaining and improving timberland values, providing domestic biobased materials for housing construction, and stewardship of natural resources through improved uniformity in timber products evaluation. Specific objectives are to further develop cottonseed based adhesives for hardwood plywood, survey and wood identification instruments to enhance marketing and trade, evaluation technology to improve the performance of cross laminated timber, and pursue research to enhance the economic and utility value of timber based products such as lumber and other composites as a means of improving and maintaining timberland value and timber conversion-related jobs throughout the gulf south region of the USA.
Approach:
Design lab- and pilot-level sampling designs for small clear wood specimens and in-grade pine lumber from the region. Measure tensile properties of in grade pine lumber. It is intended that commodity lumber from 10 to 20 mills will be studied. A greater or lesser number of mills may be included based on logistics. Measure and test samples based on appropriate ASTM standards and evaluation techniques as well as novel non-destructive technology. Test hardwood mat assemblies. Develop liquefied cottonseed based adhesives for use in the hardwood plywood industry Develop and test novel laminated engineered products as well as innovative processes to enhance marketing, performance, and durability of wood based products. Investigate the impacts of notches on cross laminated timber. Evaluate and develop rapid wood identification tools and technology to enhance codes and standards for wood-based construction and products. It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that the research work shall affirm their mutual interest in cooperative research programs and exchanges and shall be for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the people of the United States.
