Congratulations to Flore Simon for winning the FPInnovations Scholarship worth $4,000!
Congratulations to Flore Simon, recipient of the FPInnovations Scholarship worth $4,000, aimed at supporting graduate education and research at the Master’s and Doctoral levels!
Her master’s research in Wood Engineering and Bio-based Materials, under the supervision of Alain Cloutier, focuses on the development of OSB (Oriented Strand Board) panels with improved mold resistance, an innovative project that highlights excellence in the field of wood and bio-based materials. This distinction emphasizes the impact of her work and supports the advancement of research at Laval University.
The FPInnovations Fund aims to encourage the advancement of education and research at the Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics at Laval University, with a particular emphasis on applied projects. It also actively supports the recruitment of Master’s and Doctoral students and celebrates academic achievements, thus contributing to innovation and scientific excellence.
Congratulations to Flore on this remarkable achievement!
Research Project Title: Development of Mold-Resistant OSB Panels
Abstract: OSB panels, widely used in North American construction, are susceptible to moisture and biological attacks, particularly during the early stages of construction. Mold growth on these panels presents both aesthetic and health risks. This project aims to develop OSB panels with enhanced resistance to moisture and mold, addressing the needs of builders while helping to prevent health risks.
The main objective is to design an OSB panel that surpasses the mold resistance of existing products while reducing moisture sensitivity. A SMART goal has been set to achieve the final product by July 2025, with superior performance compared to competing products over a 90-day period.
Methodology
The project relies on the use of non-toxic treatments, such as linseed oil-based formulations, to enhance the resistance of OSB panels. The process will unfold in two phases: comparison tests on different OSB panels, assessing water absorption, swelling, bending resistance, and internal cohesion. Optimized formulations will then be applied to experimental panels to evaluate their effectiveness.
Expected Results
The results are expected to include a significant reduction in water absorption and mold formation on treated panels while preserving their mechanical properties. These new panels should also offer increased resistance to mold, surpassing the current products available on the market.
Potential Outcomes
The outcomes of this project will lead to improved durability and resilience of construction materials, a reduction in health risks, and enhanced competitiveness for the Canadian industry. This project represents a significant step forward in sustainable innovation in the OSB field, contributing to more responsible and environmentally friendly construction practices.