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Towards a Sustainable and Recyclable Future with Wood and Wood-Based Composites

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 6128

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Assist. Prof. dr. Klementina Pušnik Črešnar, Faculty of Polymer Technology, Ozare 19, SI-2380 Slovenj Gradec, Slovenija
Interests: polymer (nano)composites; structural properties; thermal properties; surface properties of polymer composites

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: polysaccharide-based magnetic nanocomposites; active biopolymers with an-tiviral and antimicrobial properties; encapsulated polymeric mi-cro/nanoparticles; derivatization of polysaccharides with target functionality; engineering and biomedical applications of polysaccharides; development of antiviral personal protective equipment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The vision of the Plastic Europe strategy and the European Green Deal efforts is based on a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient and competitive economy that fully respects reuse, recycling and durability. This is a challenge where polymer–wood-fibre-reinforced composites offer significant opportunities to exploit raw material resources and produce high-added-value material composites that provide a societal solution, saving resources and emissions and ultimately making the polymer composite material as attractive and best qualified as a neat polymer.

Although existing polymer wood composites are commercially successful, material development has not focused on controlling the (nano) structure of polymer composites to extend the range of their properties. There is a need to tune the structural changes in the properties of wood–polymer composites (molecular weight, Mw, chain scission, crystal structure, (trans) crystallisation behaviour) that cause changes in thermal properties (melting temperature, crystallisation) as well as rheological, mechanical, and surface behaviour; adding new functionalities also provides motivation for future tailoring.

Focusing on multifunctional properties in a wide range of applications such as automotive, aerospace, packaging, construction and transportation, the Special Issue, entitled Towards a Sustainable and Recyclable Future with Wood and Wood-based Composites, will present the latest developments in polymer wood-based composites.

Therefore, it is my pleasure to invite you to submit your work for this Special Issue. Research papers, reviews and communications are welcome.

Dr. Klementina Pušnik Črešnar
Dr. Olivija Plohl
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • sustainability
  • recyclability
  • polymer wood composites
  • structural properties
  • thermal properties
  • rheological properties
  • mechanical properties
  • surface properties

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1812 KiB  
Article
Tensile and Bending Strength of Birch and Beech Lamellas Finger Jointed with Conventional and Newly Developed Finger-Joint Profiles
by Hannes Stolze and Holger Militz
Materials 2024, 17(20), 5063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205063 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 543
Abstract
In this study, the tensile and bending strength of birch and beech lamellas finger jointed with conventional (Standard) and newly developed finger-joint profiles (New) are presented. Polyurethane (PUR), Melamine-Urea-Formaldehyde (MUF) and Phenol-Resorcinol-Formaldehyde (PRF) adhesive systems were used to bond [...] Read more.
In this study, the tensile and bending strength of birch and beech lamellas finger jointed with conventional (Standard) and newly developed finger-joint profiles (New) are presented. Polyurethane (PUR), Melamine-Urea-Formaldehyde (MUF) and Phenol-Resorcinol-Formaldehyde (PRF) adhesive systems were used to bond the finger joints. The objective of the New profiles was to reduce the stress concentrations within the finger joint by cutting the cross-grooved fingers perpendicular to the main orientation of the finger-joint profile. In the first trials of the development, larger cross-grooved fingers were cut with the aim to improve the stress distribution and to reinforce the finger joint by filling gaps in the finger joint with adhesive. As the study progressed, initial optimisations of the New profile were made. Smaller cross-grooved fingers were cut as it was assumed that they are beneficial for the manufacturing and integrity of the New profile. In combination with the MUF adhesive system, the New profile achieved the highest increase in the bending and tensile strengths compared to the Standard profile. In addition to the increased strength, other advantages such as reduced cracking in the finger joint were observed when using the New profile. The high strength and stiffness of hardwoods or other high-performance materials used in timber construction can probably be better exploited in combination with the New profile. Further tests will be carried out by considering different configurations of the New profile and different materials. Full article
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17 pages, 4257 KiB  
Article
Functionalised Fibres as a Coupling Reinforcement Agent in Recycled Polymer Composites
by Klementina Pušnik Črešnar, Olivija Plohl and Lidija Fras Zemljič
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112739 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 778
Abstract
This study addresses the structure–property relationship within the green concept of wood fibres with cellulose nanofibre functionalised composites (nW-PPr) containing recycled plastic polyolefins, in particular, polypropylene (PP-r). It focuses especially on the challenges posed by nanoscience in relation to wood fibres (WF) and [...] Read more.
This study addresses the structure–property relationship within the green concept of wood fibres with cellulose nanofibre functionalised composites (nW-PPr) containing recycled plastic polyolefins, in particular, polypropylene (PP-r). It focuses especially on the challenges posed by nanoscience in relation to wood fibres (WF) and explores possible changes in the thermal properties, crystallinity, morphology, and mechanical properties. In a two-step methodology, wood fibres (50% wt%) were first functionalised with nanocellulose (nC; 1–9 wt%) and then, secondly, processed into composites using an extrusion process. The surface modification of nC improves its compatibility with the polymer matrix, resulting in improved adhesion, mechanical properties, and inherent biodegradability. The effects of the functionalised WF on the recycled polymer composites were investigated systematically and included analyses of the structure, crystallisation, morphology, and surface properties, as well as thermal and mechanical properties. Using a comprehensive range of techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurements, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), this study aims to unravel the intricate interplay of factors affecting the performance and properties of the developed nanocellulose-functionalised wood fibre–polymer composites. The interfacial adhesion of the nW-PPr polymer composites, crystallisation process, and surface properties was improved due to the formation of an H-bond between the nW coupling agent and neat PP-r. In addition, the role of nW (1.0 wt%) as a nucleating agent resulted in increased crystallinity, or, on the other hand, promoted the interfacial interaction with the highest amount (3.0% wt%, 9.0% wt%) of nW in the PP-r preferentially between the nW and neat PP-r, and also postponed the crystallisation temperature. The changes in the isoelectric point of the nW-PPr polymer composites compared to the neat PP-r polymer indicate the acid content of the polymer composite and, consequently, the final surface morphology. Finally, the higher storage modulus of the composites compared to neat r-PP shows a dependence on improved crystallinity, morphology, and adhesion. It was clear that the results of this study contribute to a better understanding of sustainable materials and can drive the development of environmentally friendly composites applied in packaging. Full article
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24 pages, 18164 KiB  
Article
Moisture Effects on Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Damage Mechanisms of Balsa Wood Core Composite Sandwich under 4-Point Bending
by Yuan Wu, Marianne Perrin, Marie-Laetitia Pastor, Pascal Casari and Xiaojing Gong
Materials 2024, 17(5), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051044 - 24 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945
Abstract
To contribute to the development of sustainable composites, this work investigates the effects of moisture on the key AE characteristics related to the damage mechanisms of a bio-based balsa wood core sandwich in 4-point bending tests, including cumulative counts, amplitude, peak frequency, and [...] Read more.
To contribute to the development of sustainable composites, this work investigates the effects of moisture on the key AE characteristics related to the damage mechanisms of a bio-based balsa wood core sandwich in 4-point bending tests, including cumulative counts, amplitude, peak frequency, and duration. Novel triple dog-bone balsa wood core sandwich specimens with different MC (moisture content) were studied by comparing microscopic observations and a proposed two-step clustering approach in AE analysis. Three MC states, i.e., dry, 50% MC, and 120% MC, are discussed. GFRP (glass-fiber-reinforced polymer) laminate skin damages were found to be predominant in most GFRP–balsa sandwich specimens, but balsa wood core damages play a more important role as MC increases. The degradation of the bending stiffness of the sandwich was proven to be faster in the first linear stage of the moisture absorption curve, while the decrease in bending strength was more pronounced at the MC saturation level. Finally, for all of the dry and wet sandwich specimens, peak frequency and duration were proven to be more helpful in identifying damages associated with the lighter bio-based balsa wood core, such as balsa core damages and skin/core debonding. Full article
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19 pages, 2944 KiB  
Article
Particleboards with Recycled Material from Hemp-Based Panels
by Electra Papadopoulou, Iouliana Chrysafi, Konstantina Karidi, Andromachi Mitani and Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Materials 2024, 17(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010139 - 27 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1903
Abstract
This research addresses the current need for sustainable solutions in the construction and furniture industries, with a focus on environmentally friendly particleboard. Particleboards were made from a mixture of virgin wood chips and hemp shives, which were then mechanically recycled and used to [...] Read more.
This research addresses the current need for sustainable solutions in the construction and furniture industries, with a focus on environmentally friendly particleboard. Particleboards were made from a mixture of virgin wood chips and hemp shives, which were then mechanically recycled and used to make new lightweight particleboards. Phenol–formaldehyde resin with 25% w/w phenol replacement by soybean flour (PFS) was used as the binder for the lignocellulosic materials. Laboratory analyses determined the resin properties, and FTIR confirmed the structure of the experimental PFS resin. The thermal properties of all the resins were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The panels were manufactured using industrial simulation and tested for mechanical and physical properties in accordance with European standards. The FTIR study confirmed good adhesion, and the TGA showed improved thermal stability for the recycled biomass panels compared to virgin biomass panels. The study concludes that lightweight particleboards can be successfully produced from recycled hemp shive-based panels, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in the construction industry. Full article
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19 pages, 7507 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Surface Irregularities of the Cross-Section of the Wood after CO2 Laser Cutting
by Lukáš Adamčík, Rastislav Igaz, Lukáš Štefančin, Ivan Kubovský and Richard Kminiak
Materials 2023, 16(22), 7175; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16227175 - 15 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1237
Abstract
The present paper deals with the analysis of cross-section surface irregularities after CO2 laser cutting. The surface irregularities of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), oak (Quercus petraea), and spruce (Picea abies L.) wood were quantified by primary profile parameters [...] Read more.
The present paper deals with the analysis of cross-section surface irregularities after CO2 laser cutting. The surface irregularities of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), oak (Quercus petraea), and spruce (Picea abies L.) wood were quantified by primary profile parameters using a digital microscope. The arithmetic mean height (Pa), used as the basic parameter, was supplemented by amplitude parameters (Pv, Pp, Pz) and the Psm parameter, through which the shape of the irregularity was specified in more detail. A statistically significant change was demonstrated when changing the values of the feed speed and the power of the CO2 laser. The results of this article confirm that the surface irregularities increased with an increasing laser power and decreasing feed rate. The scanned topographic images also provide a more detailed explanation of the measured P-parameters and point out the risks associated with the evaluation of the cross-section with the primary profile. Full article
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