Beihua University | China
Ms. Yun Liu is an emerging researcher specializing in wood protection, modification technologies, and the environmental durability of bio-based materials. His work centers on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that govern the degradation, transformation, and performance evolution of wood when exposed to natural weathering environments. With a strong academic foundation in materials and chemical engineering, his research contributes valuable scientific insights into the stabilization and performance enhancement of lignocellulosic materials, an area of increasing global relevance as industries move toward sustainable and renewable alternatives to synthetic materials. His primary research investigates the dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated wood, emphasizing the interconnected pathways through which physical appearance, chemical composition, and microstructural features evolve under environmental stressors. One of his notable contributions is the systematic correlation of surface characteristics—such as color, gloss, and texture—with their underlying chemical transitions, including lignin decomposition, extractive migration, and the evolution of functional groups. This integrated approach advances the understanding of how thermal modification influences the degradation trajectory of lignin, demonstrating that heat treatment does more than slow the rate of degradation; it fundamentally alters the mechanism by which lignin breaks down. This discovery provides a scientific explanation for the enhanced color stability and early-stage weathering resistance observed in thermally modified woods. His published work in peer-reviewed international journals highlights a commitment to experimental rigor, employing advanced characterization techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy, SEM imaging, chromaticity analysis, and chemical component quantification. These methods enable detailed mapping of the relationship between environmental exposure and molecular-level changes, ultimately guiding the development of more robust, weather-resistant wooden materials. Beyond analyzing degradation mechanisms, his research proposes targeted modification strategies designed to enhance wood durability. These include optimizing heat-treatment conditions, protecting susceptible chemical domains, and designing surface treatments that mitigate photodegradation and moisture-induced deterioration. His contributions offer practical benefits for architectural materials, outdoor applications, sustainable construction, and eco-friendly product design. Collectively, his research advances scientific understanding of wood-weathering processes, supports the development of durable bio-based materials, and contributes to the broader goals of sustainable materials science. His work demonstrates both academic merit and real-world relevance, positioning him as a valuable contributor to ongoing innovations in wood science and environmental materials engineering.
Featured Publication
Liu, Y., Gao, C., Wang, Q., Hadili, B., Miao, Y., Cui, X., & Matsumura, J. (2025). Dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated Chinese fir: Surface properties, chemical composition, and microstructure. Polymers, 17(23), 3143. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233143