ForTec research is organized along four areas:
  • 1. Wood knowledge and product innovation
  • 2. Biorefineries and green chemistry
  • 3. Cork chain and non-wood forest products


1. Wood knowledge and product innovation

encompasses work on: properties and technological quality (solid wood and fibres) of less known species to explore the existing biodiversity; development of innovative solid wood products, including engineered products and composites; development of wood modification e.g. thermal, chemical and densification, for performance improvement; in-use performance and end-of-life potential uses.

2. Biorefineries and green chemistry

includes studies on: fractionation of biomass components; cellular matrix deconstruction; development of cellulose-based materials including nanocellulose; the lignin-based platform with lignin characterization, isolation and uses; separation and valorization of extractives as antioxidants and bioactive compounds; bio-oils and bioenergy from plants.

3. Cork chain and non-wood forest products

develops along the cork chain and other non-wood forest products with: fundamental studies on cork formation, chemistry and development and applied research on processing and cork-based products; work on cork-containing barks of other species in view of a more global cork-based chain; innovation in cork products and cork-containing composites.

Wood knowledge and product innovation
Biorefineries and green chemistry
Cork chain and non-wood forest products
Dendroknowledge