The Wood-Based Composites Center (WBC) is an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, I/UCRC, with two main university Sites,
Oregon State University and Virginia Tech. Partner Universities conduct WBC research through sub-awards; currently North Carolina State University, Michigan State University, Auburn
University and University of Nevada/Reno. The membership fee is US$35,000 per year.
Be the leading source for fundamental research and education in wood-based composites.
Advance the science and technology of wood-based composite materials.
- Promote and coordinate wood-based composites research and education at leading universities across North America.
- Attract students to careers in the wood-based composites and adhesion industries.
- Provide continuing education to the wood-based composites industry.
- 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
Information about the Center, including copies of current and past Annual Reports, are available upon request.
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 (EC) and Technical Committees (TC),
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 Center's first Managing Director, Linda Caudill, was appointed in August 1999.
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 affilates.
In 2015 the IAB TC began awarding funding to Partner Universities, a practice that continues as the
Center continues to seek outstanding faculty to conduct research on behalf of its members.
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, Inc.
Georgia-Pacific Chemicals
Henkel Corporation
JELD-WEN Windows and Doors
Hexion
Weyerhaeuser Company
Willamette Valley Company
In 2016, a Phase II I/UCRC was awarded by the NSF, increasing funding for the center at both university Sites. The
Phase II Award will support the WBC as a NSF center through 2022. Under the new award, Kamke and Frazier will act as Co-Directors.
Linda Caudill continued to serve as Managing Director until November 2020, at which time Patricia Vega took over the role.