lakehead u researcher “cooks” wood to enhance market value
(thunder bay - november 15, 2004) a 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 researcher is working with a private-industry company to better utilize forest resources. dr. mathew leitch, of the faculty of forestry and the forest environment, has been investigating the characteristics of wood "cooked" to enhance its value in the marketplace.
working with the thunder bay-based company superior thermowood, dr. leitch's research aims to make use of under-utilized trees in northwestern ontario, across canada, and in the united states. superior thermowood has developed a new kiln drying system which requires a time of around 32 hours per kiln run, compared to traditional kiln runs which take generally around five weeks.
"for example, poplar that has been "cooked" -- slowly heated and cooled in this specially designed kiln -- deepens in colour, becomes water- and fungi-resistant, and achieves a stable moisture level that makes it suitable for use in non-structural construction, such as building furniture and decks," dr. leitch says. "the impact of this will be better utilization of our forest resource and an increase in jobs -- both at the kiln units and spin-off industries built around thermowood."
dr. leitch is available for interview by calling marla tomlinson, 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 communications officer, at 807-343-8177. photo opportunities are available in dr. leitch's laboratory, or digital pictures are available upon request.
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contact: marla tomlinson, communications officer, 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜
, 807-343-8177