Visiting Researcher at LSIWC – PhD student Manon Mestre

This week, the visiting researcher from Canada delivered a presentation at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. Laval University PhD student Manon Mestre specializes in improving adhesives for wood-based composites, with particular emphasis on reducing formaldehyde emissions and enhancing moisture resistance.

Manon’s research is conducted at Laval University’s Renewable Materials Research Centre, which brings together studies on the properties of wood, biomass, and bio-polymers, the development of innovative materials, and the assessment of their environmental impacts. Her work is also closely linked to the Wood-Based Composite Panel Research Consortium, which brings together universities, research institutions, public authorities, and industry partners.

Research focus – more environmentally friendly wood adhesives

In Canada, birch biomass and the wood-based panel sector are closely connected to research on low-emission and bio-based adhesives, making Manon’s doctoral project relevant from an economic perspective as well. In her PhD research, Manon investigates the modification of urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins using bio-based additives derived from birch bark in order to reduce formaldehyde emissions from wood-based panels, improve the moisture resistance of particleboards, and promote the high-value utilization of underused biomass resources.

Her research includes the sequential extraction of lignin and suberin from birch bark, the characterization of their chemical and thermal properties, and their incorporation into adhesive formulations in various combinations. In parallel, optimal additive contents and modification strategies are being explored to achieve improved material performance at an industrial scale.

Industrialization potential of the research results

The expected project outcomes include the development of new UF adhesive formulations incorporating bio-based components, more environmentally friendly wood-based panels, and practically applicable knowledge that can be transferred to manufacturing in cooperation with industrial partners.

Manon’s internship at the LSIWC Biorefinery laboratory, which has extensive experience in developing of ecological binders, offers an excellent opportunity to strengthen international collaboration in wood chemistry and bio-materials research, to exchange expertise in advanced testing methods, and to explore sustainable solutions for the construction and furniture industries.