Lignis

Towards carbon neutral lignin-based fire protection solutions

Project info

Project	Towards carbon neutral lignin-based fire protection solutions (Lignis)
Duration	1.12.2023-28.2.2026
Implementor	Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu, Aalto-yliopisto, LignoSphere Company Oy, Kiilto Oy, Aureskosken Jalostetehdas Oy, Versowood Oy
Funding	Hämeen elinkeino-, liikenne- ja ympäristökeskus
Budget	193 517 €

Lignis project investigates how the inherent fire safety of lignin extracted from wood pulp can be exploited in the production of bio-based binders for wood products.

There is an active desire to reduce the carbon footprint of construction. One way is to increase the use of low-emission wood and in particular the use of highly processed engineered wood products. In timber construction, adequate fire safety is of paramount importance and can be improved through the use of coatings, impregnations and fire-resistant adhesives.

Lignis project investigates how the inherent fire safety of lignin extracted from wood pulp can be exploited in the production of bio-based binders for wood products. If successful, the project will promote wood construction and increase the share of so-called low-carbon bio-based materials in the production of fire-safe wood products, and support the creation of new business opportunities for participating companies.

The expected results of the project’s research will be information on lignin-based bonding, coating and impregnation solutions that will help to give wood a good enough fire classification to be used in the construction of tall buildings, for example. If successful, the project will accelerate the green transition by finding bio-based substitutes for petrochemical adhesives and coatings. The project is expected to have a positive impact on wood construction and increase cooperation. The aim is to create a platform between fireproofing research and interested companies, and thereby stimulate the emergence of new low-carbon innovations in the construction sector.

The project is a collaboration between Häme University of Applied Sciences and Aalto University, LignoSphere Company Oy, Kiilto Oy, Aureskosken Jalostetehdas Oy and Versowood Oy. It will use the research infrastructure of both organisations in a way that supports the research and development activities of companies in the wood products and construction sector. The knowledge generated by the project will focus in particular on the development of bio-based fire protection technologies for wood-based materials and will be communicated not only to companies but also to the scientific and professional community.

Project measures

The suitability of lignin-based adhesives as wood glues and, in particular, the fire resistance of the glued pieces will be investigated. Glued products include glued laminated timber, cross-laminated timber (CLT) and plywood. For the measurement of fire resistance, a test rig according to the voluntary standard PS 1-19 will be manufactured at HAMK.

Studying the coating of wood with a lignin-based coating and examining the fire resistance of the coated wood.

Studying the impregnation of wood with a lignin-based impregnant and examining the fire resistance of the impregnated wood.