Dr. Ali Shalbafan

Research associate in the Materials and Life Cycle Assessment group, BFH

Research and development in the field of wood-based composite, project management and execution

Supervision of master's and PhD students

Responsible for the engineered wood products laboratory, Tarbiat Modares University (2018 – now).

Wood-based panels

Mineral-based binders

Natural fibers

Sandwich panels

Lightweight composites

Bio-based composite materials: process technology, evaluation, and optimization.

Development of mineral-based binders for wood composites

Development of hybrid and lightweight composites

Cascading use of resources to develop value-added (wood) composites

Multilayer insulation panels using natural binder. Swiss Innovation agency (Innosuisse), Dietrich Isol AG as partner, Project No. 46810.1 69353.1 INNO-EE, 2023 – 2024.

Multifunctional mineral binders for the production of advanced wood-based products. International joint research project between Switzerland and Iran, Leading Hause South Asia and Iran (ZHAW), 2018 – 2019.

Optimization of the density profile simulation as a path towards intelligent production in wood-based composite industries. International joint research project between Switzerland and Iran, Leading Hause South Asia and Iran (ZHAW), 2020 – 2022 .

Analysis of the core layer characteristics of foam core panels using 2D digital image correlation. Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Project No. IZK0Z2_162531, 2015

Innovative geopolymer binder improved by nano materials for engineered wood products industries. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Project No. 91600325, 2017

Optimization and further functionalization of innovative geopolymer binder for manufacturing of engineered wood products. Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Project No. IZSEZO_186480, 2019

Innovative foam core particleboard produced by one-step process for forest conservation. Iran National Science Foundation, code no: 93012950, 2015 - 2016.

Evaluation of acoustic properties and thermal conductivity of lightweight foam core particleboards. Research deputy of Tarbiat Modares University, 2016 - 2017.

Development of natural absorbent materials for reduction of formaldehyde emission from wood-based panels. Iran National Science Foundation, code no: 95848907, 2017 - 2019.

Optimization of developed geopolymer binder for using in wood-based panels industries. Iranian Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology, National Elites Foundation, 2018 - 2019.

Development of technical knowledge and localization of agricultural lignocellulosic waste utilization in wood-based panels. Iran Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology, 2020 - 2022.

Rezanezhad, M., Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, H. 2024. Influence of panel density on the characteristics of novel multifunctional particleboard. Wood Materials Science and Engineering, https://doi.org/10.1080/17480272.2024.2338202.

Rezanezhad, M., Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, H. 2024. Development of electrically conductive wood-based composites using carbon nets. Polymer Composites, 45: 1985-1997.

Noori, H., Shalbafan, A. Kazemi-Najafi, S. 2023. Development of plywood bonded with a novel adhesive film made from polystyrene foam waste dissolved in D-limonene. Wood Materials Science & Engineering, 18(6): 2082 - 2092.

Hamed, M, Nosrati, B., Shalbafan, A. Dahmardeh, M.G. 2022. Production and evaluation of lightweight particles board using expanded polyurethane foam. Journal of Wood and Paper Science Research, 38(2): 87-99

Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, H. 2023. Development of mineral-bonded plywood with magnesium oxychloride as a binder using the hot-pressing process. Polymers, 15(4): 805.

Tschannen, C., Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, H. 2023. Development of an electrically conductive MDF-panel – Evaluation of carbon content and resin type. Polymers, 15(4): 912.

- Pourjafar, M., Behrooz, R, Shalbafan, A. Nayyeri, V. 2023. Preparation and characterization of electromagnetic shielding medium-density fiberboard using Iron oxide nanoparticles. Wood Materials Science and Engineering, 18(4): 1360-1371

Jamalpour, S., Shalbafan, A., Kazemi-Najafi, S. 2022. Evaluation of lightweight fiberboard using recycled polystyrene as a part of binder. Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology, 29(1): 1-24.

Khojasteh-Khosro, S., Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, H. 2022. Consumer behavior assessment regarding lightweight furniture as an environmentally friendly product. Wood Materials Science and Engineering, 17(3): 192-201.

Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, H. 2022. Influence of pressing schedule and adhesive content on the rheological behavior of wood fiber-furnish mats. Materials, 15(4): 1413.

Pourjafar, M., Behrooz, R, Nayyeri, V., Shalbafan, A. 2022. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) with efficient electromagnetic shielding: preparation and evaluation. Bioresources, 17(1): 1518-11532.

Eghtedarnejad, N., Kazemi-Najafi, S., Shalbafan, A., 2021. The effect of chipping method on the geometry of particles produced from date palm frond. Bioresources, 16(1): 1131.

Khojasteh-Khosro, S., Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, H. 2021. Development of ultra-light foam-core fiberboard for furnoture application. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 79(6): 1435-1449.

Allahverdipoorazar, F., Shalbafan, A., Berthold, D. 2021. Geopolymer as a multifunctional mineral binder to produce laminated veneer lumber: effect of various aluminosilicate powder types on panels and geopolymer binder features. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 79(2): 349-362.

Shalbafan, A., Chaydarreh, K. C., Welling, J. 2021. Effect of blowing agent concentration in rigid polyurethane foam on the properties of foam core particleboard. Wood Materials Science and Engineering, 16(2): 85-93.

Shalbafan, A., Nadali, A., Theomen, H. 2020. A multifunctional mineral binder for plywood production: the effect of manufacturing parameters on bonding quality. Materials, 13(10): 2360.

Shalbafan, A., Hassannejad, H., Rahmaninia, M. 2020. Formaldehyde adsorption capacity of chitosan derivatives as bio-adsorbents for the wood-based panels. International Journal of Adhesive and Adhesion, 102: 102669 (1-8).

Hassannejad, H., Shalbafan, A., Rahmaninia, M. 2020. Reduction of formaldehyde emission from medium density fiberboard by chitosan as scavenger. The Journal of Adhesion, 96(9): 797-813.

Jafarnezhad, S., Shalbafan, A., Luedtke, J. 2020. Effect of the polystyrene granules type and content on the physical and mechanical properties of the lightweight wood-based panels. Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology, 27(1): 111-125.

Khakzad, J., Shalbafan, A., Kazemi-Najafi, S. 2020. Lightweight tubular fiberboard: Effect of hole diameters and number on panel properties. Maderas. Ciencia Y Tecnología, 22(3): 311-324.

Khojasteh-Khosro, S., Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, J. 2020. Evaluation of adhesion strength of coatings and face layers properties of foam core lightweight panels. Journal of Color Science and Technology, 14(1): 1-11

Khojasteh-Khosro, S., Shalbafan, A., Thoemen, J. 2020. Preferences of furniture manufacturers for using lightweight wood-based panels as eco-friendly products. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 78(3): 593-603.

Shalbafan, A., Theomen, H. 2020. Geopolymer-bonded laminated veneer lumber as environmentally friendly and formaldehyde-free product: effect of various additives on geopolymer binder features. Applied Sciences, 10(2): 593.

Bahrami, M., Shalbafan, A., Welling, J. 2019. Development of plywood using geopolymer as binder; effect of silica fume on the plywood and binder characteristics. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 77:981-994.

Barbu, M.C., Shalbafan, A., 2018. Universitatare Ausbildung fur Holzwissenscahft in Eropa und welweit. Teil 26: Iran. Holztechnologie, 59(6): 53-58.

Jafarnezhad, S., Shalbafan, A., Luedtke, J. 2018. Effect of surface layers compressibility and face-to-core-layer ratio on the properties of lightweight hybrid panels. International Wood Products Journal, 9(4): 164-170.

Shalbafan, A., Jafarnezhad, S., Luedtke, J. 2018. Evaluation of low-density hybrid panels using expandable granules: effect of granules diameter and content. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 76(5):1505-1514.

Jafarnezhad, S., Shalbafan, A., Luedtke, J. 2018. Effect of expanded polystyrene granules on the physical and mechanical properties of hybrid lightweight panels. Journal of Wood and Paper Industries, 9(3): 383-396.

Jafarnezhad, S., Shalbafan, A., Luedtke, J. 2018. Effect of expandable and expanded granules diameter on the properties of hybrid-lightweight panels. Journal of Forest and Wood Products, 70(4): 719-728.

Dietenberger, M. A., Shalbafan, A., Welling, J. 2017. Cone calorimeter testing of foam core sandwich panels treated with intumescent paper underneath the veneer. Fire and Materials, 42(3): 296-305.

Shalbafan, A., Welling, J., Hasch, J. 2017. Effect of aluminosilicate powders on the applicability of innovative geopolymer binders for wood-based composites. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 75(6):893-902.

Shalbafan, A., Welling, J. 2017. Thermal and acoustic characteristics of innovative foam core particleboards. Wood and Fiber Science, 49(1):73-83.

Chaydarreh, K. C., Shalbafan, A., Welling, J. 2017. Effect of ingredient ratios of rigid polyurethane foam on foam core panels’ properties. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 134(17):44722-1 – 44722-8.

Shalbafan, A., Rheme, M., Thoemen, H. 2017. Ultra-light particleboard; characterization of foam core layer by digital image correlation, European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 75(1): 43-53.

Shalbafan, A., Chaydarreh, K. C., Welling, J. 2016. Development of a one-step process for production of foam core particleboards using rigid polyurethane foam. BioResources, 11(4):9480-9495.

Shalbafan, A., Welling, J., Hasch, J. 2016. Geopolmers as potential new binder class for the wood based composite industry. Holzforschung, 70(8):755-761.

Shalbafan, A., Benthien, J. T. and Lerche, H. 2016. Biological characterization of panels manufactured from recycled particleboards using different adhesives. BioResources, 11(2):4935-4946.

Shalbafan, A., Tachmann, O., Welling, J. 2016. Using of expandable fillers to produce low density particleboard. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 74(1):15-22.

Sarmin, S. N., Welling, J., Krause, A., and Shalbafan, A. 2014. Investigating the possibility of geopolymer to produce inorganic-bonded wood composites for multifunctional construction material - A review. BioResources, 9(4):7941-7950.

Shalbafan, A., Behntien, J. T., Welling, J. and Barbu, M. C. 2013e. Flat pressed wood plastic composites made of milled lightweight foam core particleboard residues. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 71(6):805-813.

Dietenberger, M. A., Shalbafan, A., Welling, J. and Boardman, Ch. 2013f. Treated and untreated foam core particleboards with intumescent veneer: comparative analysis of cone calorimeter. Journal of Thermal analysis and Calorimetry, 114(3):979-987.

Welling, J. and Shalbafan, A. 2013d. Physikalische und mechanische Eigenschaften von leichten HWS-Platten mit in-situ geschäumtem Kern. Holztechnologie, 54(2):36-42.

Shalbafan, A., Dietenberger, M. A. and Welling, J. 2013c. Fire performance of foam core particleboard produced in an one step process. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 71(1):49-59.

Shalbafan, A., Luedtke, J., Welling, J. and Fruehwald, A. 2013b. Physiomechanical properties of ultra lightweight foam core particleboards: Different core densities. Holzforshung, 67(2):169-175.

Shalbafan, A., Welling, J. and Luedtke, J. 2013a. Effect of processing parameters on physical and structural properties of lightweight foam core sandwich panels. Wood Material Science and Engineering, 8(1):1-12.

Shalbafan, A., Welling, J. and Luedtke, J. 2012b. Effect of processing parameters on mechanical properties of lightweight foam core sandwich panels. Wood Material Science and Engineering, 7(2):69-75.

Shalbafan, A., Luedtke, J., Welling, J., and Thoemen, H. 2012a. Comparison of foam core materials in lightweight wood-based panels made by continuous process, European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 70(1): 287-292.

Kazemi Najafi, S., Shalbafan, A., and Ebrahimi, Gh. 2009. Internal decay assessment in standing beech trees using ultrasonic velocity measurement, European Journal of Forest Research, 128: 245-350.

Noori, H., Ghasemian, A., Shalbafan, A. and Haji Hassani, R. 2008. Determination of optimum refining of paper made of recovered Kraft liner paper, Journal of Wood and paper Science Research, 23(1): 12-19.

Kazemi Najafi, S., Shalbafan, A, and Chaharmahali, M. 2006. A study on profile of three types of medium density fiberboard (MDF) used in Iran market, Journal of Wood and Paper Science Research, 20(2): 285-300.

Shalbafan A, Hassannejad H, Rahmaninia M. (2020). Wood-based panels using chitosan and modified chitosan as formaldehyde scavengers. USPTO: United States Patent and Trademark Office, (Granted).

Shalbafan A, Welling J. (2017). Wood-based panels, method for manufacturing them and their use. EP2875924 B1, EPO: European Patent Office (Granted).

Shalbafan A, Hassannejad H, Rahmaninia M. (2017). Reduction of formaldehyde emission from wood-based panels using eco-friendly scavenger. Industrial Property General Office, Iranian Patent Organization (Granted).

Shalbafan A, Choupani Chaidarreh K. (2016). Continuous production of innovative sandwich panels using injected thermosetting foam as core layer and its products thereof. Industrial Property General Office, Iranian Patent Organization (Granted).

Shalbafan A. (2015). Lightweight wooden-based panels using foamable beads and manufacturing process thereof. Industrial Property General Office, Iranian Patent Organization (Granted).

Shalbafan A. 2022. Foams in Wood Composites. In: P.K S., M.S. S., Thomas S. (eds) Phenolic Based Foams. Gels Horizons: From Science to Smart Materials. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5237-0_16.

More than 22 papers were presented at international and national conferences and published in corresponding conference proceedings. Details are presented in: https://www.modares.ac.ir/uploads/forms/form_324/36612762476249618747720642576823.pdf?1.703323

Member of the supervisory, evaluation, and optimization committee of the faculty, Tarbiat Modares University (2014-2018)

Member of the faculty research council, Tarbiat Modares University (2016 - 2019)