Location: National Programs
Project Number: 0500-00090-001-001-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2021
End Date: Jun 30, 2026
Objective:
• The focus area of this project will be that of developing a matting standard.
• Further develop cottonseed based adhesives for hardwood plywood (in support of the success developed during 2019 this work advances in cooperation with USDA ARS New Orleans (Mike Dowd)
• Survey and wood identification instruments to enhance marketing and trade,
• Evaluate technology to improve the performance of cross laminated timber
• 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:
Sample industrial mats, perform associated mechanical evaluation, develop mat use software for ground, equipment, and personal protection during pipeline, powerline, oil field, and other construction operations. Measure and test samples based on appropriate ASTM standards and evaluation techniques as well as novel non-destructive technology. Further 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. Continue to investigate the impacts of notches on cross laminated timber. Continue to evaluate and develop rapid wood identification tools and technology to enhance international lumber trade. Cooperate with USDA Forest Products Laboratory as a technical advisor.
