About Us
Forest Products Development and Utilization (FPD&U) is one of the research departments in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). The Department is made up of these sections: Reconstituted wood products, Bamboo and Rattan, Wood Anatomy and Timber Quality, Wood Seasoning and Preservation, Mechanical Wood Processing, Non-Wood Forest Products, Timber Mechanics and Bio-energy.
In line with her mandate which is, “Improvement research on Utilization of Forest Products, non-Forest products and Wood Residue”, the department has identified, and is still identifying properties of various wood species viz a viz: physical, mechanical, anatomical, chemical properties, for proper usage. Over the years, the department has continued to render her research activities on the production of ceiling boards, floor and wall tiles to enhance cleaner environment. Research on wood seasoning (through a renewable energy source- solar energy) and wood treatment (using eco-friendly wood preservatives) are also being conducted. Furthermore, research on production of decorative items from wood residues, honey, Parkia (Iru), Sericulture, and improvement research on bamboo and Rattan utilization is being intensified.SECTIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT
In line with her mandate which is, “Improvement research on Utilization of Forest Products, non-Forest products and Wood Residue”, the department has identified, and is still identifying properties of various wood species viz a viz: physical, mechanical, anatomical, chemical properties, for proper usage. Over the years, the department has continued to render her research activities on the production of ceiling boards, floor and wall tiles to enhance cleaner environment. Research on wood seasoning (through a renewable energy source- solar energy) and wood treatment (using eco-friendly wood preservatives) are also being conducted. Furthermore, research on production of decorative items from wood residues, honey, Parkia (Iru), Sericulture, and improvement research on bamboo and Rattan utilization is being intensified.
Wood seasoning and preservation section
Mechanical wood processing section
Bamboo and Rattan
Bio-energy section
Non wood forest products section
Timber engineering section
RECONSTITUTED WOOD PRODUCTS SECTION.
Particleboard production unit:
Production of Cement- bonded, design-faced ceiling boards from Kraft paper (Plates 1, 2 &3 ) and bamboo sawdust for the assessment of physical and mechanical properties of cement-bonded particleboards produced from saw dust of Various hardwood species such as Gmelina arborea, Cedrela odorata, Cordia millenii, Milicea excelsa, Khaya ivorensis, Tectona grandis, just to mention a few
Plastic Composite Unit:
Production of composite materials under heat/temperature using sawdust and polyethene as a binder
Fibreboard Unit:
Production of fibreboard from waste papers and synthetic binders such as Urea Formaldehyde and Phenol Formaldehyde.
Production of Cement- bonded, design-faced ceiling boards from Kraft paper (Plates 1, 2 &3 ) and bamboo sawdust for the assessment of physical and mechanical properties of cement-bonded particleboards produced from saw dust of Various hardwood species such as Gmelina arborea, Cedrela odorata, Cordia millenii, Milicea excelsa, Khaya ivorensis, Tectona grandis, just to mention a few
Plastic Composite Unit:
Production of composite materials under heat/temperature using sawdust and polyethene as a binder
Fibreboard Unit:
Production of fibreboard from waste papers and synthetic binders such as Urea Formaldehyde and Phenol Formaldehyde.
New products:
Production of various value-added products (new products from new paper, sawdust, wood and bamboo shaving, trimmings, edgings.
Recycling of lignocellulosic-based residues into new/ value-added products.
NON WOOD FOREST PRODUCTS
Jatropha curcas Unit Harvesting and processing of Jatropha curcas seeds for extraction
Extraction of bio-oil from seeds of Jatropha curcas
Analysis of Jatropha curcas seeds
Apiculture Unit:
Research into production of Honey from bees
Routine inspection of bee hives at the apiary
Sericulture Unit:
Research into mulberry agroforestry
Research into rearing of silkworm and production of cocoon
Reeling of cocoon and re-reeling of silk yarn for the production of valuable items such as lawyers wigs
Production of mulberry fruits into jam, wine and juice
Information dissemination on mulberry leaves and silkworm production
Forest fruits:
Processing of forest fruits for various end uses
Research into nutritional value and phytochemical status of forest fruits.
Parkia production Unit:
Processing of Parkia biglobosa seeds for various end- uses.
Apiculture Unit:
Sericulture Unit:
WOOD ANATOMY &TIMBER QUALITY
Research on Identification of histological (macro and micro) features of hardwood species. This is done in order to ensure proper recommendation of wood species for specific end-uses. Plate 4a, b and c reveal the histological features of plantation-grown Cedrela odorata P. Br.
WOOD SEASONING& PRESERVATION
MECHANICAL WOOD PROCESSING SECTION
Carpentry Unit
Secondary conversion of wood
Assembling/Construction of chairs, tables, stools and other furniture items
Maintenance of wood workshop
Sawmill and Saw Doctor Unit
Primary conversion of wood (logs)
Maintenance of saws and blades
Metal workshop
Fabrication of machines, and construction of metal
Repair of tools, and metal items
Turning of metals
BAMBOO AND RATTAN SECTION
Research into Utilization potentials of Bamboo and rattan resources for the production of furniture and other value-added products
Improvement on the aesthetic appearance of bamboo furniture and other products from bamboo
Improvement on the aesthetic appearance of bamboo furniture and other products from bamboo
BIO-ENERGY SECTION
Briquettes Production Unit
Research into:Utilization of wood (sawdust) and other lignocellulosic materials (e.g agricultural wastes) for energy generation.
Production of briquettes for domestic and commercial purposes
Wood- gas unit
Research into production of gas from wood wastes (sawdust) for energy generation
Research into:
Research into production of gas from wood wastes (sawdust) for energy generation
RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGH IN THE DEPARTMENT
NOTE: The solar kiln is fully solar-powered (through solar energy/ solar radiation). The kiln is not dependent on hydroelectric power or generating sets. Also, it does not use fossil fuels.
The research is meant to address topical environmental issues- Energy challenges, Carbon emission (through fossil fuel combustion) and land/air pollution.