All-Wood: bio-inspired colour obtained from wood to colour wood

Photonic structures based on cellulose were discovered in plants, which reflect light at a certain wavelength and develop intensive, durable and non-bleaching colours. The principle can be artificially mimicked using cellulose obtained from wood to create environmental friendly and non-hazardous colourants, and is especially interesting for colouring wood, the colour-resource itself. Commercially available coatings or pigments applied on wood materials are usually synthetic, often hazardous, release pollutants into the environment and hinder recycling processes since they possess different chemical and physical properties. Cellulose nanocrystals extracted from wood are able to create the required photonic structure, and are studied as bio-based alternative for fadeless and durable wood coatings within the aim of the project. Thus, material and surface consist of one material origin, which facilitates reuse and recycling. The production follows the principles of circular economy to contribute towards a more sustainable future. Therefore, cellulose nanocrystals will be obtained from side-products of the wood and agricultural industry and their ability to create colour will be investigated. Their performance regarding improved durability, colour- and UV-stability when applied on wood surfaces will be studied and bio-based non-volatile additives to create a wider colour range will be tested. In cooperation between BOKU, New Design University and international partners, the fundamentals for designing fully recyclable wood products will be explored.