1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
  3. Continuing Education
  4. Courses
  5. Adhesives and Emissions
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Adhesives and Emissions

The Adhesives and Emissions course is a module of the CAS Wood-Based Panels programme focusing on the relationship between adhesive systems, process parameters and material emissions. This course is organized in a hybrid format: While the full programme is offered on-site in Biel, Switzerland, selected presentations and seminars will be streamed, allowing participants to attend from anywhere in the world.

The course:

  • is aimed at researchers, managers and experts in the wood-based panels industry, associated industries, material technology, engineers from processing companies, and distributors;
  • teaches you about the latest technologies for decreasing formaldehyde and VOC emissions of  wood-based panels with an special focus on formaldehyde-free and bio-based alternative adhesives;
  • gives you the opportunity to build a network course participants and specialists from all over the world;
  • provides room for discussing your individual technological challenges;
  • gives you the opportunity to benefit from the extensive knowledge of renowned experts;
  • helps you find solutions to real-life problems in everyday business.

Factsheet

  • Degree/Certificate Module Certification Adhesives and Emissions
  • Duration One-week intensive course
  • Schedule Monday to Friday
  • Application deadline The application deadline is at least four weeks before the module begins.
  • ECTS credits 2 ECTS-Credits
  • Costs CHF 2'900.–
    If more than one participant from the same company: 10% price reduction.
  • Teaching language English
  • Location Biel, Switzerland / online
  • School School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
  • Next session 03 - 07 February 2025

Contact

Downloads

Content + Structure

Portrait

The use of low-emission wood-based panels is becoming increasingly important. On the Adhesives and Emissions course, you will learn the latest from the worlds of theory and practice, as well as about recent standards and test methods in adhesive systems and material emissions.

A special focus is on formaldehyde-free and bio-based adhesives. The core of the program is organized as an interactive week with seminars, virtual lab stages, group work, bilateral expert meetings and much room for interactions with the course participants. The week is supplemented by e-learning material.

By participating in this intensive course, you can build a wide network of experts and professionals in the field.

Learning Outcomes

During the course, you will gain an overview of the interactions between raw wood material, adhesives, production processes, wood based panel properties and the resulting material emissions. You will learn about the current state of development and the potential of new bio-based and formaldehyde-free adhesives. We introduce you to the latest technologies for reducing or replacing formaldehyde and minimising VOC emissions.

After this course, you will have theoretical and practical knowledge of the interaction between adhesives and emissions. You will also have built a wide network of experts and specialists in the field.

That's what former participants say

The intensive course includes inputs from experts coming from industry and academia and practical training in the lab. You will work in small groups on a case study, which you will present to the class and experts at the end of the course. As a supplement you will experience a our campus including up-to-date infrastructure as such as the hot press lab, resin synthesis lab and the tannin extraction pilot. 

Topics

  • Influence of process parameters on VOC emissions
  • Influence of process parameters on Formaldehyde emissions
  • Emissions of wood-based panels and constructions 
  • Planning and ensuring indoor air quality
  • Emissions testing / virtual lab stage
  • Bio-based adhesives
  • Adhesives and LCA of wood-based panels 
  • 5-HMF as formaldehyde replacement
  • Starch-based adhesives
  • Tannin-based adhesives
  • Lignin-based adhesives
  • Adhesive testing/virtual lab stage
  • Bio-based adhesives and process implementation
  • Development of press parameters

Detailed Course Schedule for download

  • Lectures, discussions and knowledge-sharing
  • E-learning
  • Reviewing case studies and exercises
  • Presentations by qualified specialists
  • Coaching and individual supervision
  • Latest findings from research and development at BFH and other R&D institutions
  • Independent study (literature review, project creation)

During the course, you will work on a case study in small groups, which is assessed by experts and presented in front of the class at the end of the week.

Title + Degree

Course in Adhesives and Emissions

You will receive a certificate of completion.

Lecturers

Dr. Christian Hübsch
Director Sales & Marketing
UPM Biochemicals
Finland
Dr. Stefan Krawielitzki
Head of R&d
AVA-Biochem
Switzerland
Prof. Dr. Ingo Mayer
Berne University of Applied Sciences

 

Dr. Martin Ohlmeyer 
Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute of Wood Research
Germany

Prof. Dr. Frédéric Pichelin 
Berne University of Applied Sciences
 
Prof. Dr. Heiko Thömen
Berne University of Applied Sciences
 

 

Stephan Weinkötz
Senior Principal Scientist Wood Systems
BASF SE
Germany

 

Requirements + Admission

This course is aimed at:

  • managers, specialists and wood and material technologists from the engineered wood products industry, associated industries and research.
  • engineers from processing companies
  • engineers in machine manufacturing and distribution
  • researchers from universities and institutes

Entry requirements

University degree (university of applied sciences, university) or diploma in related subjects. Admissions decisions are made by the course leader based on applicants’ academic background and performance (‘sur dossier’).

Academic requirements

University degree (university of applied sciences, university) or diploma in related subjects.

Professional prerequisites

Several years’ research or industry experience in engineered wood products or adhesives (for the production of engineered wood products).

Knowledge and Abilities

  • A basic understanding of how engineered wood products are made (OSB, MDF, chipboard): raw materials, adhesives, gluing, forming, pressing
  • Basic knowledge of panel properties and relevant standards

Language skills

Strong English skills

Exceptions

If you don't quite meet the entry criteria for the course, additional preparatory materials can be provided by e-learning.

To ensure that all course participants are on the same level, you will receive materials for an e-learning course before the intensive course. You should anticipate spending approx. 10 hours on this course. On the e-learning course, knowledge and learning success are tested through quizzes.

Any questions from the e-learning course will be discussed and answered on the first day of the course.

Practicalities + Application

Our education course is held as face-to-face lessons. Certain parts are held in a hybrid form (face-to-face and online) or can be followed completely online.

This course is organized in a hybrid format from February 5 – 9, 2024 on-site in Biel, Switzerland and some presentations will be streamed online. 

Aprox. in January, 2024 we will provide e-learning material to standardize the entry level of the course participants.

The intensive course starts on Monday and ends early Friday afternoon. Lessons start at 8am each day and last until 4pm, including lunch break. The presentations and certificate ceremony on the last day end at around 2pm.

The application deadline is four weeks before the module begins

CHF 2'900 (on-site)
CHF 2'600 (online)

We offer a 10% discount if more than one participant from the same company registers.

Maximum of 30 people.

Continuing Education

Infodays + Advice

Student advisory service

You are welcome to contact the course leader for a one-to-one consultation.

Location + Facilities

  • Laboratory for wood and construction adhesives
  • Laboratory for material emissions and extractives

This course is organized in a hybrid format on-site in Biel, Switzerland and online.