Zhao Rongjun

Prof.  Zhao Rongjun

Organization: Research Institute of Wood Industry, Chinese Academy of Forestry

Research category: Wood Science and Technology

Research field: Wood mechanical property and timber construction

E-mail: rongjun@caf.ac.cn

Main work

Prof. Zhao Rongjun has discovered the variations in the mechanical properties of wood cell walls and their influencing factors. She conducted researches on the mechanical properties of the wood cell walls of cultivated species, such as hybrid clones of Chinese fir and larch. Explored the changes in the mechanical properties of tracheids of Chinese fir at different growth stages. Conducted researches on the structure and properties and elucidated the microstructure and chemical composition changes of the cell walls of transgenic poplar wood. Concluded that the downregulation of C3H and HCT genes was the key to significantly reducing lignin content and increasing cell wall rate. These results provided the scientific basis for the targeted breeding of cultivated forests and the high-quality utilization of wood resources in China.

Prof. Zhao Rongjun has developed key technologies for the preparation of Chinese wood trusses using dimension lumber. She conducted studies on the connection performance of the truss plates and nails of Chinese larch lumber, elucidated the force mechanism of the connection joints, and determined the ultimate bearing capacity and design values of the connection; Developed a construction design method for light wood trusses and built key technologies for Chinese larch lumber trusses. The results provided technical support for the high-value utilization of cultivated wood resources in China.

Prof. Zhao Rongjun has explored the changes in the structural characteristics of the sapwood and heartwood cells of Michelia macclurei. She studied the changes in the morphological parameters and revealed the radial variation of lignin and extractive contents of the sapwood and heartwood cells of Michelia macclurei. The lignin content in the heartwood was lower than that in the sapwood, while the heartwood contained more benzyl alcohol extractives than sapwood. Michelia macclurei heartwood contained more alkaloids. The mechanism of those structural parameters affecting the performance of heartwood cells will be explored. The results will provide the theoretical basis for the cultivation of precious tree species in China and the technological innovation for the efficient utilization of wood resources.

Key research projects

  • In situ interpretation of the principal interactions among components in wood and bamboo cell walls (2023-2027)

  • Mechanism of color formation of heartwood during the transformation process from sapwood to heartwood (2022-2025)

  • Research on the manufacturing technology of wood composite elements for construction (2015-2018)

  • Physical and chemical characterizations of the multi-layer structure of bamboo fiber cell walls (2014-2017)

  • Research on the structure characteristics of transgenic poplar cell walls for energy (2012-2014)

Awards & achievements

  • Received the first prize of Liangxi Forestry Science and Technology Award in 2021 (ranked 6th)

  • Received the second prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award in 2019 (ranked 4th)

  • Received the first prize of Liangxi Forestry Science and Technology Award in 2018 (ranked 4th)

  • Received the second prize of Liangxi Forestry Science and Technology Award in 2016 (ranked 3rd)

  • Received the second prize of Beijing Science and Technology Award in 2015 (ranked 3rd)

Published articles & books

Representative paper

  • Ren Suhong, Wang Zhiping, Yan Lirong, Feng Qiming, Chen Zhangjing, Zhao Rongjun. 2023. Comparison of anatomical characteristics and chemical compositions between sapwood and heartwood of Michelia macclurei [J]. Industrial Crops and Products, 193: 116190.

  • Song Wei, Zhang Shuangbao, Fei Benhua, Zhao Rongjun. 2021. Mussel-inspired polydopamine modification of bamboo flour for superior interfacial compatibility of bamboo plastic composites: influence of oxidant type [J]. Cellulose, 28(13): 8567-8580.

  • Zhou Xianwu, Yang Sheng, Lu Mengzhu, Zhao Shutang, Cai Liping, Zhang Yaoli, Zhao Rongjun, Lv Jianxiong. 2020. Structure and Monomer Ratio of Lignin in C3H and HCT RNAi Transgenic Poplar Saplings [J]. Chemistry Select, 5(24): 7164-7169.

  • Zhou Xianwu, Ren Suhong, Lu Mengzhu, Zhao Shutang, Chen Zhangjing, Zhao Rongjun, Lv Jianxiong. 2018. Preliminary study of Cell Wall Structure and its Mechanical Properties of C3H and HCT RNAi Transgenic Poplar Sapling [J]. Scientific Reports, (8): 1-10.

  • Zhao Rongjun, Yao Chunli, Cheng Xianbao, et al.2014. Anatomical, chemical and mechanical properties of fast-growing Populus×euramericana Cv. '74/76' [J]. IAWA Journal, 35(2): 158-169.

  • Zhao Rongjun, Xing Xinting, Lv Jianxiong, et al.2012. Estimation of wood mechanical properties of Eucalyptus pellita by Near Infrared Spectroscopy [J]. Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 48(6): 106-111.

Monograph

  • Liu Y X, Yu H P, Zhao R J. Wooden Environment Science. Beijing: Science Press. 2007.

  • Li J, Zhao R J. Wood and Environment. Harbin: Northeast Forestry University Press. 2001.