Fraunhofer (WKI) is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization. The department of Binder and Coatings at Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, WKI, covers the entire value chain for the development of wood coatings. Starting from the modification of monomers and polymer synthesis of resins for coatings and adhesives, the formulation of paint mixtures all the way to application techniques and testing and evaluation of finished products. For more than 10 years the research projects focus on the synthesis of resins based on renewables as an alternative to petrochemical raw materials. Next to biobased materials the focus is on additional properties like fire retardancy or antimicrobial properties.
Role in the project:
WKI is work package leader of WP 3 and will focus on the development of coating material. This includes polymer modification as well as formulation. In addition to a fully equipped synthesis lab, we have an application and testing lab for wood coatings available.
Key Personnel:
Dr. Claudia Schirp is deputy head of department Binder and Coatings at WKI. Her expertise is in the synthesis of biopolymers, especially polyester and polyurethane for application in wood coatings. She obtained her PhD in Chemical Science from the University of Braunschweig in the field of synthesis of amine-modified siloxanes with antimicrobial properties for application in wood coatings. She worked in several national and international research projects as project manager within the field of biobased and functional polymers. She is active member of national and European standardisation commitee CEN/TC 139 “Wood Coatings”.
Relevant expertise:
FireCellCoat – Bio-inspired fire-retardant wood coatings based on microfibrillated cellulose. Bioeconomy in the North (2020-2022). WKI is coordinator and leading the work on coating development. www.firecellcoat.com
Contact information:
Dr. Claudia Schirp
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Bienroder Weg 54 E, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany
Website: www.wki.fraunhofer.de