A novel, bioinspired approach towards
generating wood based organic inorganic hybrid materials with improved fire
performance.
Timber in the built environment
Timber is a renewable source that acts as a carbon sink and is
gaining renewed interest in the construction industry due to its environmental
friendliness in comparison with other commonly used building materials.
However, its combustibility remains a significant concern, as timber can act as
fuel in the event of a fire. While various strategies - such as fire and flame
retardants and safety cladding - have been implemented to address this issue,
there is a pressing need for innovative and sustainable solutions to enable the
broader adoption of timber in the built environment. One promising approach is
the mineralisation of wood, a technique shown to enhance the material’s fire
resistance. Currently, this is primarily achieved by immersing or impregnating
wood with different chemicals.
Biologically induced mineralisation
Biologically induced mineralisation (BIM) is primarily a consequence
of microbial metabolic processes. Moreover, their negatively charged surfaces
or secreted extracellular substances can function as nucleation sites for
mineral formation. BIM most commonly results in the formation of amorphous
crystals, such as iron hydroxides, magnetite, manganese oxides, clays, silica,
carbonates, phosphates, sulphates and sulphides. Of special interest for us is microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation, which can be
performed by photosynthetic microorganisms, bacteria and fungi. Through different
processes, microorganisms increase the pH and concentration of dissolved
inorganic carbon in their environment, leading to the precipitation of calcium
carbonate.
Timber + Biologically induced
mineralisation?
Within the scope of MICRO-INSERT we aim to devise protocols that
will enable BIM of timber. This requires identification of microorganisms capable
of growing on or in timber without causing significant structural weakening,
while also performing BIM effectively. Subsequently, we will determine the
optimal conditions for microbial growth and biomineralisation. Finally, the
reaction to fire, durability as well as the morphological, chemical, physical, mechanical,
and aesthetic properties
of the hybrid materials whill be evaluated.
Information about the project
| PROJECT NUMBER : |
101105772 |
| PROJECT TITLE : |
Microbially
Induced Mineralisation of Wood for Improved Fire Resistance |
| PROJECT ACRONYM : |
MICRO-INSERT |
| PROJECT LEADER : |
Karen
Butina Ogorelec, PhD |
| PROJECT SUPERVISOR : |
Anna
Sandak, PhD |
| PERIOD : |
01.09.2024
– 31.08.2026 |
| BUDGET : |
€
171 399.36 |
| FINANCING : |
HORIZON
TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships |
| PROJECT
COORDINATOR : |
InnoRenew CoE (Slovenia) |
Contact
karen.butina@innorenew.eu