Engineered Wood Products

Composite Technologies

Wood-based composites, one of the most efficient uses of wood resources, have been a major area of innovation over the past few years, and production is expected to show strong growth over the next decade. Ensis has a long history of collaboration with wood composites manufacturers in research focused on tailoring processes and products to meet the changing demands of existing and new markets.

The team's scientific expertise spans raw material characteristics, processing and product manufacture, resin development, composite property evaluation and specialist additives for improved properties. Key research areas include:

• Developing and testing new and improved wood adhesives 
• Developing new composites with improved properties 
• Assessment of new raw materials for composite production, including lesser known and secondary wood species and non-wood materials (agri-residues etc.) 
• Assessing the quality of fibres, particles and veneers to aid in process improvement 
• Developing and testing new composite additives and preservatives 
• Recycling of wood product residues and wastes into composites.

Preservatives for Composites

Ensis is uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive range of professional services in the field of composite preservation - a research and development initiative vital to the continued success of the industry.

Services include:

• Selection, production and testing of composites 
• Composite manufacture: Plywood, LVL, MDF, Particleboard, OSB and inorganic-based products 
• Resin production, composite blending, pressing and evaluation 
• Assessment of preservative compatibility 
• Preservative formulation and application 
• Evaluation of preserved composites against insects, fungi, and marine organisims in the above-ground, in-ground and marine environment 
• Professional advice on application and optimisation of treatments

Ensis equipment and facilities:

• Air, airless and roller resination equipment for all composites
• 1.0x1.0 metre 160 tonne cold press 
• PLC controlled 400 1.0x1.0 metre tonne hot press 
• PLC controlled humidity room for composite conditioning 
• Strength testing; Instron testing machines 
• Pressure impregnation and treatment plant 
• Modern insectaries for termites and wood borers 
• Incubation rooms for moulds and decay fungi 
• Laboratory aquaria for marine borers; crustaceans and molluscs 
• Artificial weathering facilities 
• Secure field test sites 
• Scanning electron microscope for preservative distribution 
• Chemical analytical service

Pricing

No obligation quotes are available upon request

For further information, please contact:

General Manager
Ensis Wood Processing
Private Bag 10
Clayton South, VIC, 3169
Ph: +61 3 9545 2128

MDF Pilot Plant

In recognition of the growing demand for medium density fibreboard over the last few decades, Ensis has developed a state-of-the-art MDF Pilot Plant. The facility accurately simulates industry practice, and is available to interested parties for research and development of new process technologies and products.

Since its development in the late 1960’s, demand for medium density fibreboard (MDF) has shown strong and sustained growth. By 2000 world production was approximately 19 million m3/annum, with the growth in demand for MDF forecast to continue at 10% or more per annum to at least 2010.

MDF Pilot Plant

Throughout the 1990’s, the MDF industry developed a more diversified product range, such that at least 7 major categories of product are now recognised, primarily based on product density and resistance to moisture, biodegradation and spread of flame. The drive to diversify product ranges and tap into niche markets is expected to be a continuing feature of the industry.

• Chipping, sieving and cold storage facilities. 
• 12” continuous pressurised disc defibrator, including pre-steaming bin and digester, capable of operation up to 1.7 MPa. Injection ports (for wax etc.) into disc housing. 
• 15m blowline (10mm ID) with multiple injection points (for wax, resin and other additives). 
• 105m flash dryer (180mm ID), inlet air heated with direct gas burner. Typical air velocity 60 m/s, inlet temperatures 110 - 180 C. Pneumatic batch pre-press (900 x 900 mm).
• PC controlled 350 tonne hot press. Platen temperatures up to 210 C. 
• Belt sander and panel evaluation facilities.

Pricing

No obligation quotes are available upon request.

For further information please contact:

Ensis
Private Bag 10
Clayton South, VIC 3169
Ph: +61 3 95452442
Fax: +61 3 95452314