The Effect of In-situ Polymerization of Monomer Mixtures via Inductive Curing on Densification and Hardness of Yellow Birch

This project aims to cure plastics within wood to increase hardness and durability; because conventional curing methods (UV light or convection heating) are ineffective at penetrating wood new methods are being explored. Induction heating using magnetic nanoparticles is an experimental method that needs fine-tuning in order to potentially be scaled to industrial standards. The main parameters that need to be understood and controlled are nanoparticle size, magnetic field strength and frequency, nanoparticle loading within the wood substrate and overall heating capacity of said nanoparticles within wood. The proposed research project aims to evaluate the frequency dependency of this system as well as characterise the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles being used. It should be observed that when magnetic field frequency is higher heating efficiency also increase. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Véronic Landry

Student:

Partner:

Universidad Rey Juan Carlo

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Forestry; Nanotechnology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Université Laval

Program: