Alexander Pfriem

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Pfriem serves as Professor for Chemistry and Physics of Wood as well as Chemical Process Engineering at the University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde (HNEE). Since 2013, he has held the position of Vice President for Research and Transfer, re-elected in 2018 and 2021. He is also Head of the Department of Chemistry and Physics of Wood and previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Wood Research and Wood Technology in 2012.

His research interests focus on sustainable wood technologies, including thermal and chemical modification of wood, fire protection systems for wood materials, wood recycling processes, and the development of sustainable composite materials. Pfriem's work bridges fundamental wood science with practical applications in construction, musical instruments, and transportation sectors, emphasizing ecological solutions and resource efficiency.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to wood science, with recent work examining carbonized wood layers for fire protection, mathematical modeling of springback in molded wood products, and sustainable alternatives to tropical woods in musical instrument manufacturing. His research shows particular emphasis on the relationship between wood modification processes and resulting material properties.

• Science and Research in the Field of Environmental Technology from the Friedrich and Elisabeth BOYSEN Foundation (2006)
• Herbert-Flemming-Price (2003)

Prof. Pfriem leads multiple significant research projects including Wood Aging Visualization and Estimation (WAVE), Ecological Fire Protection in Rail Vehicles, Sustainable Functional Integration in Composite Materials (NaFuVer), and development of wood-based chicken coop components. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with research institutions and industry partners to translate scientific findings into practical applications.

His laboratory focuses on wood modification technologies, particularly thermal and chemical processes that enhance wood properties while maintaining ecological sustainability. Current research directions include developing sustainable sensor integration in composite materials using chitin-based alternatives to conventional piezoelectric polymers, and creating transparent fire protection coatings that preserve the decorative appearance of wood surfaces.