Dear <<First Name>>,
Welcome to the latest edition of R&DWorks, the first for 2020. During these challenging times, there is still lots of great R&D work happening both here in Australia and overseas.
In this edition we bring you details of local research projects including the development of new in-field drying models for Australian logs, the results from monitoring a new mid-rise timber-framed building for movement and moisture, and new approaches to inspire investment in trees on farms.
We also provide a round-up of international research news, including insights into how plants dispel excess sunlight as heat, and how balsa can be recycled to create environmentally-friendly materials.
I hope you enjoy this edition.
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Opportunities to boost profits with in-field drying for Aussie growers
New in-field drying models for Australian logs will help equip growers with the tools to balance the costs of drying against the potential financial gains.
The researchers behind the new study have also identified opportunities for growers to tap into an additional income stream, by drying and selling logging residue as biofuel for energy production.
Continue reading...
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Monitoring of mid-rise timber-framed building proves it’s fit-for-purpose!
After monitoring the movement and moisture content of a timber-framed, mid-rise building, researches have collected data to help build confidence and acceptance of wood amongst the construction industry.
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Looking to the future … New business models to inspire investment in trees on farms
A new project has considered business models that could utilise areas of Australian farmland for planting trees, not only yielding financial, social and environmental benefits for the forestry industry, but also for agriculture.
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Optimising value from mahogany plantations in Australia’s north
A recent study has yielded valuable insights into the most effective silvicultural regimes for African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) plantations in Australia’s north. The research will help maximise plantation productivity and wood quality, and help build confidence amongst lucrative new markets.
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Benefits spanning the supply chain — predicting and controlling wood quality in standing trees
Forest growers can now easily and affordably assess wood quality across their resource, while also making decisions around location and management that will best serve the quality of their stands going forward.
Scientists behind a new research project say the ability to predict, maintain and improve timber quality in plantations will help decrease risk and improve the productivity, competitiveness and profitability of Australia’s growers and processors.
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Financial incentives for landowners = improved forest productivity + future demand met?
Researchers behind a new report focusing on improving the productivity of Australia’s private native forests have called for financial incentives to be made available to landholders. Such payments would enable the engagement of forestry professionals to carry out the necessary silvicultural treatments for boosted yield and profit.
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Watch — virtual reality makes field operations safer and more affordable!
During a recent episode of our WoodChat podcast, we spoke to Dr Winyu Chinthammit (Lead Researcher at the University of Tasmania College of Sciences and Engineering) about new research that shows field operators can accurately perform assessments in an immersive, virtual reality environment. This video highlights a snapshot of our discussion.
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Branching out ... what impact does tree spacing have on branch development?
New findings from Southern Cross University’s Forest Research Centre will help growers improve plantations by controlling branch size and quality.
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Shining a light on the protection mechanism of plants against excess sunlight
In a world first, scientists have mapped how plants dispel excess sunlight as heat. Future understanding of this process could have the potential to protect and improve crop yields.
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Recovered balsa used to create environmentally-friendly materials
Researchers in Germany have developed a novel way of recovering and processing the large amounts of balsa wood found in the rotor blades of wind turbines, to create a myriad of environmentally-friendly materials for a variety of uses.
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Papermaking by-product a raw material for sustainable plastics? New findings give lignin a boost!
A Swedish X-ray analysis has revealed for the first time how the internal molecular structure of different lignin products relates to the macroscopic properties of the materials they are ultimately used to produce.
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