Discover the popular science article by Assira Keralta!

Congratulations to Assira Keralta on her popular science article titled « From Whey Ultrafiltration Permeate to High-Performance Wood: A Sustainable Approach for North American Species ».

Wood is a hygroscopic material whose dimensional variations, induced by fluctuations in the relative humidity of its surrounding environment, can limit certain applications. The study by Assira Keralta, supervised by Véronic Landry, Julien Chamberland, and Marie-Josée Dumont, evaluates the potential of whey ultrafiltration permeate (UF permeate), rich in lactose, as an alternative source of polyols for the polyesterification of wood.

Two formulations based on citric acid and malic acid were applied to four species (sugar maple, black spruce, trembling aspen, and white pine), then subjected to a heat treatment at 160 °C for 24 hours, with water-treated controls.. The results show improved dimensional stability, reduced hygroscopicity, and increased surface hardness, reaching up to +127% for sugar maple. This approach highlights the potential of UF permeate as a valorization pathway within a circular economy framework.

This initiative is supported by the CRMR science popularization grant, which encourages excellence and innovation aligned with its research priorities, while making science accessible to a broad audience.