ETH Zurich researcher convert sawdust into composites using struvite

In Switzerland, a team of researchers at the Chair of Wood Materials Science at ETH Zurich and Empa has developed a process that can convert sawdust into a recyclable and environmentally friendly composite using the mineral struvite, a crystalline, colourless ammonium magnesium phosphate. This, in turn, keeps the sawdust in the material cycle for longer.

Struvite has long been known for its fascinating fire protection properties. Previously, however, it had proven difficult to combine the mineral with sawdust particles due to its crystallisation behaviour. Now, ETH researchers are using an enzyme extracted from watermelon seeds to control the crystallisation of struvite from an aqueous suspension of the mineral precursor Newberyite. This process creates large crystals that fill the cavities between the sawdust particles and bind them together firmly. The material, which is pressed for two days, is then removed from the mould and dried at room temperature.

Tags: ETH Zurich, struvite, Switzerland

Category: Research