SU researchers revolutionise construction by turning tree bark into high-performance coating

Researchers at Stockholm University have unveiled a fully bio-based wood coating system that could transform the construction industry by providing a sustainable alternative to fossil-based synthetic coatings. Inspired by the protective functions of tree bark, this innovative solution utilises components sourced from birch and spruce bark.

Researchers demonstrating the water resistance of the wood. Photo © Matilda Andersson/SU

The research, published in the journal Materials Horizons, aligns with Europe's commitment to improving resource efficiency in the bio-based sector. The new coating combines suberinic acids from birch bark and polyphenols from spruce bark, forming a waterborne suspension that is both safe and easy to apply to wood surfaces.

Polyphenols play a dual role in stabilising water-insoluble suberinic acids while also acting as nanofillers to enhance the coating’s mechanical properties. When applied to spruce wood panels, the bio-based coating exhibited impressive water resistance, outperforming conventional synthetic coatings even after prolonged water exposure", explains Fengyang Wang, the publication´s first author.

Mika Sipponen, the project supervisor, highlights that tree bark, often burned for energy, can instead be a valuable resource for wood protection. This innovation addresses a crucial need in the construction sector, where traditional wood coatings frequently contain hazardous compounds and rely on fossil-derived chemicals. The new coating provides an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing performance.

Our approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of construction materials but also creates a circular, sustainable solution in wood processing," Sipponen explains.

Collaboration for a greener future

Although the materials' chemistry was developed at Stockholm University, the research team collaborated across the entire value chain – from bark supply to processing and performance testing.

"While the bark is locally available in large quantities, it’s crucial to work with various experts", emphasises researcher Ievgen Pylypchuk.

The breakthrough supports the growing demand for renewable and sustainable materials in modern building practices, positioning wood as a more environmentally responsible construction material, reducing the environmental impact of protective coatings.

Further details about the BarkBuild project are available in the original story, in Swedish.

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