About the Center

The Wood-Based Composites Center (WBC) is an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, I/UCRC, focused on research and education at the Universities of British Columbia and Maine, Oregon State, and Virginia Tech.

Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision:

Be the leading source for fundamental research and education in wood-based composites.

Mission:

Advance the science and technology of wood-based composite materials.

Objectives:

1. Promote and coordinate wood-based composites research and education at leading universities across North America.
2. Attract students to careers in the wood-based composites and adhesion industries.
3. Provide continuing education to the wood-based composites industry.
4. Provide a forum for intellectual exchange and interaction among professionals and students interested in:

   Manufacture of wood-based composites
   Performance of wood-based composites
   Materials science
   Adhesives and adhesion
   

History of the Center

The Wood-Based Composites Center was established on January 1, 1999. The following companies are recognized as Founding Members of the Center:

Supporting

Georgia-Pacific Resins, Inc.
Huntsman Polyurethanes (formerly ICI Polyurethanes)
National Starch and Chemical
Neste Resins Corporation

Contributing

Champion International
The Dow Chemical Company
J M Huber Corporation
LP Corporation
Trus Joist MacMillan
Weyerhaeuser Company

The Center's first industry advisory board meeting convened in 1999 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Today's advisory board, which is comprised of Executive and Technical Committees, meets twice yearly at locations determined by the membership.

The founder and first Director of the WBC, Fred Kamke served from 1999 until January 2005. The Managing Director of the Center, Linda Caudill, was appointed in August 1999, and continues in that role today. In February 2005, Charles (Chip) Frazier was appointed Director by the WBC Industry Advisory Board. Also in 2005, to better meet the needs of its industry members, the Center moved from an affiliate relationship with MSU. OSU, and Minnesota, to one of a full partnership.

In 2006, the University of British Columbia and University of Maine were invited to participate as partner universities of the WBC. Mississippi State and Minnesota remained involved in subsequent years as affilate universities.

The National Science Foundation awarded the WBC a grant on July 1, 2010, establishing the Center as an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, I/UCRC. The founding members of the WBC I/UCRC included:

Arclin
Ashland
Georgia-Pacific Chemicals
Henkel Corporation
JELD-WEN Windows and Doors
Momentive (formerly Hexion Specialty Chemicals)
Weyerhaeuser Company
Willamette Valley Company