The Center of Excellence in Wood and Biomaterials, School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, organized the 2nd academic seminar titled “The Emergence of a New Industry: Oil Palm Wood.” The focus was on the industrial-level processing and production of prototype oil palm wood products to transfer research knowledge into practical applications in the industrial sector.
The seminar was honored by the presence of Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Acting President of Walailak University, who delivered the opening remarks online. Professor Dr. Sanit Aksornkaew, Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council and Chairman of the Steering Committee for Research and Innovation on Social Development and Environment, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), gave a special lecture on “Utilizing Agricultural Residues to Drive the Goals of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan.” Associate Professor Dr. Nirandon Matan, Head of the Center of Excellence in Wood and Biomaterials, Walailak University, presented on “The Potential of Oil Palm Biomass in Industry, Environment, and Society.” The event saw participation from faculty members, students, distinguished guests, and industrial business operators from both the public and private sectors at the Phattharathamma Phorn Conference Room, 9th Floor, Walailak University Medical Center Hospital, on September 19, 2023.
Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong stated that researchers at Walailak University have been continuously studying the processing and utilization of oil palm wood, leading to successful outcomes that can be applied in the industrial sector. This development adds economic value, especially for southern Thailand, where oil palm is widely cultivated but the wood from the trees has been underutilized. Once the trees age, they are often cut down or left to die. The researchers’ success in kiln-drying oil palm wood in the laboratory, which can now be processed into planks or prototype products, marks a significant step toward scaling up to industrial production. This advancement holds great potential for both domestic use and future exports, particularly as natural forests diminish. Utilizing oil palm wood could provide immense economic benefits to the country.
The seminar also featured presentations on related research, including “New Discoveries: Freeze-Drying Oil Palm Wood Without Rapid Collapse” by Associate Professor Dr. Nirandon Matan from the Petrochemical and Polymer Engineering Program, School of Engineering and Technology; “Using Synchrotron Light to Analyze Cell Collapse in Oil Palm Wood to Improve Processing Efficiency” by Assistant Professor Dr. Supakorn Rukmai from the Synchrotron Light Research Institute; “A Prototype Machine for Industrial-Scale Freeze-Drying of Processed Oil Palm Wood” by Dr. Chusak Ritthipetch; “Development of Oil Palm Wood Packaging with Essential Oils to Extend Post-Harvest Vegetable Shelf Life” by Associate Professor Dr. Narumol Matan; “Production of Lightweight Wood for Exterior Use by Polymer Impregnation in Oil Palm Wood” by Assistant Professor Dr. Suruk Kongthong from the Petrochemical and Polymer Engineering Program, School of Engineering and Technology; and “Production of Sandwich Panels Using Oil Palm Wood Core for Structural Insulation and Soundproofing” by Associate Professor Dr. Suthon Sriwaroh from the Petrochemical and Polymer Engineering Program, School of Engineering and Technology. Additionally, participants observed a demonstration of the prototype industrial freeze-drying machine.
