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Polymers
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Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites
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Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Circular and Green Polymer Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 11988

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ming Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Wood Material Science and Engineering Key Laboratory of Jilin Province, Beihua University, ‎Jilin, China
Interests: biomimetic synthesis of biomass-based materials with superwetting property and their applications in the fields of wastewater purification and seawater desalination, preparation and intelligent recombination of nanofibrous lignocellulose for fluorescent solid-state probe and green wearable sensor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers provide new insights into wood and other bio-based materials for advancing technologies and applications. Polymerization techniques are diverse, leading to biomass-based composites with various functions or even intelligences (responding to pH, light, magnetic/electric field, temperature, etc.) that point to new, emerging applications.

Wood polymer composites (WPCs) are constantly under evolution and advanced study. Increasing numbers of manuscripts are published, showing exciting results and advances with potential applications. However, they face new challenges related to synthetic procedure, scale-up, better performance, multi-functions, biomimetic structure and function, intelligent properties, action mechanisms, and high-tech applications. Many research groups worldwide are investigating WPCs from different perspectives and scientific interests, proving that WPCs produce continuous scientific, societal, and economic impacts.

In this Special Issue (SI), original research articles, rapid communications, and reviews on recent advances in WPCs will be welcomed.

Keywords in this SI will try to cover the majority of advances and applications of WPCs and other biomass polymer composites. We encourage potential authors to illustrate research advances in WPCs that are well beyond the topics covered by these specific keywords.

Dr. Ming Zhang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymers
  • wood composite
  • superwetting property
  • bio-based porous membrane
  • hybrid hydrogel and aerogel
  • water purification
  • seawater desalination
  • nano/micro structure
  • structure–property relationship
  • bionic and smart materials

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2897 KiB  
Article
A Survey on the Effect of the Chemical Composition on the Thermal, Physical, Mechanical, and Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis of Three Brazilian Wood Species
by Matheus de Prá Andrade, Heitor Luiz Ornaghi, Jr., Francisco Maciel Monticeli, Matheus Poletto and Ademir José Zattera
Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182651 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Wood is a versatile material extensively utilized across industries due to its low density, favorable mechanical properties, and environmental benefits. However, despite considerable research, the diversity in species with varying compositions and properties remains insufficiently explored, particularly for native woods. A deeper understanding [...] Read more.
Wood is a versatile material extensively utilized across industries due to its low density, favorable mechanical properties, and environmental benefits. However, despite considerable research, the diversity in species with varying compositions and properties remains insufficiently explored, particularly for native woods. A deeper understanding of these differences is crucial for optimizing their industrial applications. This study investigated the composition, tensile strength, flexural strength, Young’s modulus, bending stiffness and elongation at break, thermal behavior, and viscoelastic properties of three Brazilian native wood species: Araucaria angustifolia (ARA), Dipterix odorata (DOD), and Tabeuia ochracea (TOC). The density of these woods showed a linear correlation with mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus (0.9) and flexural modulus (0.9). The research revealed a linear correlation between the woods’ density and mechanical properties, with lignin content emerging as a key determinant of thermal stability. This study highlights the importance of understanding wood species’ composition and physical properties, and provides valuable insights into their behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 3571 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of PVA–Silica Sol Wood Composites via Delignification and Freezing Pretreatment
by Rizheng Cong, Taoyang Cai, Shangjie Ge-Zhang, Hong Yang and Chang Zhang
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131949 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 792
Abstract
The efficient exploitation of planted fast-growing wood is crucial for enhancing wood resource utilization. In this study, the fast-growing poplar wood was modified by in situ impregnation through vacuum impregnation with polyvinyl alcohol and nano-silica sol as impregnation modifiers, combined with delignification–freezing pretreatment. [...] Read more.
The efficient exploitation of planted fast-growing wood is crucial for enhancing wood resource utilization. In this study, the fast-growing poplar wood was modified by in situ impregnation through vacuum impregnation with polyvinyl alcohol and nano-silica sol as impregnation modifiers, combined with delignification–freezing pretreatment. The samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and the universal mechanical testing machine. The results showed that the wrinkle deformation and cracking of the wood blocks were greatly alleviated after the delignification–freezing pretreatment and the polyvinyl alcohol and nano-silica sol were successfully integrated into the wood. The resulting polyvinyl alcohol–silica sol poplar composites exhibited about 216%, 80% and 43% higher compressive strength with respect to delignified wood, natural wood and impregnated natural wood, respectively, thereby demonstrating superior mechanical properties and potential opportunities for value-added and efficient utilization of low-quality wood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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12 pages, 6301 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Evaluation of Thermal Insulation Performance of Cellulose-Based Silica Aerogel Composite Building Materials
by Jeo Hwang, Yoonmi Kim, Jooyoung Park and Dongho Rie
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131848 - 28 Jun 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Buildings utilize both inorganic and organic insulation materials to conserve energy and prevent heat loss. However, while exhibiting excellent thermal insulation performance, organic insulation materials increase the risk of fire due to the emission of intense heat and toxic smoke in the event [...] Read more.
Buildings utilize both inorganic and organic insulation materials to conserve energy and prevent heat loss. However, while exhibiting excellent thermal insulation performance, organic insulation materials increase the risk of fire due to the emission of intense heat and toxic smoke in the event of a fire. Conversely, inorganic insulation materials are characterized by a lower thermal insulation performance, leading to an increase in the weight of the building with extensive use. Therefore, the necessity for research into new insulation materials that address the drawbacks of existing ones, including reducing weight, enhancing fire resistance, and improving thermal insulation performance, has been recognized. This study focuses on evaluating the enhancement of the thermal insulation performance using novel building materials compared to conventional ones. The research methodology involved the incorporation of porous aerogel powders into paper-based cellulose insulation to improve its insulating properties. Samples were prepared in standard 100 × 100 mm2 panel forms. Two control groups were utilized: a pure control group, where specimens were fabricated using 100% recycled cardboard for packaging, and a mixed control group, where specimens were produced using a mixture ratio of 30 wt% ceramic binder and 40 wt% expandable graphite. Experimental group specimens were prepared by increasing the aerogel content from 200 to 1000 mL under each condition of the control groups (pure and mixed) after mixing. The thermal insulation performance of the specimens was evaluated in terms of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity according to ISO 22007-2 (for solids, paste, and powders). Through this study, it was found that the thermal insulation performances of the pure control and experimental groups improved by 16.66%, while the mixed control and experimental groups demonstrated a 17.06% enhancement in thermal insulation performance with the addition of aerogel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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16 pages, 6902 KiB  
Article
Surface Roughness, Dynamic Wettability, and Interphase of Modified Melamine Formaldehyde-Based Adhesives on Jabon Wood
by Yusup Amin, Naresworo Nugroho, Effendi Tri Bahtiar, Wahyu Dwianto, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis, Ulfa Adzkia and Lina Karlinasari
Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081084 - 12 Apr 2024
Viewed by 885
Abstract
The surface roughness and wettability of wood are critical aspects to consider when producing laminated wood products with adhesive applications. This study aims to investigate the surface roughness and dynamic wettability of Jabon wood in the presence of melamine formaldehyde (MF)-based adhesives. Commercial [...] Read more.
The surface roughness and wettability of wood are critical aspects to consider when producing laminated wood products with adhesive applications. This study aims to investigate the surface roughness and dynamic wettability of Jabon wood in the presence of melamine formaldehyde (MF)-based adhesives. Commercial MF adhesives (MF-0) and modified MF adhesives (MF-1) were applied to Jabon wood, which includes tangential (T), radial (R), and semi-radial (T/R) surfaces. The surface roughness of Jabon wood was assessed using a portable stylus-type profilometer. The low-bond axisymmetric drop shape analysis (LB-ADSA) method was employed to identify the contact angle (θ) of the MF-based adhesives on Jabon wood. The wettability was determined by evaluating the constant contact angle change rate (K value) using the Shi and Gardner (S/G) model. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was employed to investigate the viscoelastic characteristics of the interphase analysis of the wood and MF-based adhesives. The roughness level (Ra) of the Jabon board ranged from 5.62 to 6.94 µm, with the T/R having a higher level of roughness than the R and T. MF-0 exhibited a higher K value (0.262–0.331) than MF-1 (0.136–0.212), indicating that MF-0 wets the surface of Jabon wood more easily than MF-1. The wood–MF-0 interphase reached a maximum stiffness of 957 N/m at 123.0 °C, while the wood–MF-1 had a maximum stiffness of 2734 N/m at 110.5 °C. In addition, the wood–MF-0 had a maximum storage modulus of 12,650 MPa at a temperature of 128.9 °C, while the wood–MF-1 had a maximum storage modulus of 22,950 MPa at 113.5 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 2229 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Application of Non-Formaldehyde Binder Based Citric Acid, Maleic Acid, and Molasses Adhesive for Plywood Composite
by Jajang Sutiawan, Alifah Syahfitri, Deni Purnomo, Sudarmanto, Narto, Fazhar Akbar, Dimas Triwibowo, Ismadi, Putri Amanda, Sukma Surya Kusumah, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis, Dede Hermawan, Ignasia Maria Sulastiningsih, Arif Nuryawan and Luthfi Hakim
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3897; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193897 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1645
Abstract
Emissions of formaldehyde from wood-based panels, such as plywood, are gaining increased attention due to their carcinogenic impact on human health and detrimental effects on the environment. Plywood, which is primarily bound with a urea-formaldehyde adhesive, releases formaldehyde during hot pressing and gradually [...] Read more.
Emissions of formaldehyde from wood-based panels, such as plywood, are gaining increased attention due to their carcinogenic impact on human health and detrimental effects on the environment. Plywood, which is primarily bound with a urea-formaldehyde adhesive, releases formaldehyde during hot pressing and gradually over time. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of non-formaldehyde adhesive types on plywood performance. In addition, plywood performance was assessed by comparing Jabon wood (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) veneer with other Indonesian wood veneers such as Mempisang (Alphonse spp.) and Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni). To manufacture a three-layer plywood panel, a two-step manufacturing process was devised. The first step involved the use of Jabon veneers treated with citric acid (CA), maleic acid (MA), and molasses (MO), and another step was carried out for various wood veneers such as Jabon, Mempisang, and Mahogany using CA. The performance of plywood was examined using JAS 233:2003. The performance of plywood bonded with CA was better than that of plywood bonded with MA and MO. The Jabon wood veneer resulted in a lower density of plywood than other wood veneers. The water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, and tensile shear strength of plywood from Jabon wood veneer were similar to those of plywood from Mahogany wood veneer and lower than those of Mempisang wood veneer. The ester linkages of plywood bonded with CA were greater than those of plywood bonded with MA and MO because plywood bonded with CA has better performance than plywood bonded with MA and MO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 6743 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Microcrystalline Cellulose/N-(2-aminoethyl)-3- Aminopropyl Methyl Dimethoxysilane Composite Aerogel and Adsorption Properties for Formaldehyde
by Yaning Li, Zhongzheng Liu, Chuanxi Chi, Bin Yuan, Yang Zhang, Guiquan Jiang and Jianxi Song
Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3155; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153155 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1237
Abstract
Air pollution is related to the development of the national economy and people’s livelihoods. Formaldehyde, as one of the main pollutants in the air, affects people’s physical and mental health. In order to remove formaldehyde and better protect the health of residents, it [...] Read more.
Air pollution is related to the development of the national economy and people’s livelihoods. Formaldehyde, as one of the main pollutants in the air, affects people’s physical and mental health. In order to remove formaldehyde and better protect the health of residents, it is necessary to develop efficient adsorption materials. In this study, APMDS-modified cellulose composite aerogel microcrystalline was investigated. The adsorption of formaldehyde by the MCC/APMDS (Microcrystalline Cellulose/N-(2-aminoethyl)-3- Aminopropyl Methyl Dimethoxysilane) composite aerogel mainly relied upon the reaction of the protonated –NH3+ group in APMDS with formaldehyde to form a Schiff base to achieve the effect of deformaldehyde. Meanwhile, the modification of the aerogel reduced the pore volume and specific surface area, and the average pore size increased to 14.56 nm, which enhanced the adsorption capacity of formaldehyde, and the adsorption amount reached 9.52 mg/g. This study provides valuable information for the preparation of adsorbent materials with high formaldehyde adsorption capacity for air purification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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Review

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17 pages, 934 KiB  
Review
Wood Sponge for Oil–Water Separation
by Chang Zhang, Taoyang Cai, Shangjie Ge-Zhang, Pingxuan Mu, Yuwen Liu and Jingang Cui
Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162362 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 564
Abstract
In addition to filtering some sediments, hydrophobic wood sponges can also absorb many organic solvents, particularly crude oil. The leakage of crude oil poses a serious threat to the marine ecosystem, and oil mixed with water also generates great danger for its use. [...] Read more.
In addition to filtering some sediments, hydrophobic wood sponges can also absorb many organic solvents, particularly crude oil. The leakage of crude oil poses a serious threat to the marine ecosystem, and oil mixed with water also generates great danger for its use. From the perspective of low cost and high performance, wood sponges exhibit great potential for dealing with crude oil pollution. Wood sponge is a renewable material. With a highly oriented layered structure and a highly compressible three-dimensional porous frame, wood sponges are extremely hydrophobic, making them ideal for oil–water separation. Currently, the most common approach for creating wood sponge is to first destroy the wood cell wall to obtain a porous-oriented layered structure and then enhance the oil–water separation ability via superhydrophobic treatment. Wood sponge prepared using various experimental methods and different natural woods exhibits distinctive properties in regards to robustness, compressibility, fatigue resistance, and oil absorption ability. As an aerogel material, wood sponge offers multi-action (absorption, filtration) and reusable oil–water separation functions. This paper introduces the advantages of the use of wood sponge for oil–water separation. The physical and chemical properties of wood sponge and its mechanism of adsorbing crude oil are explained. The synthesis method and the properties are discussed. Finally, the use of wood sponge is summarized and prospected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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29 pages, 5588 KiB  
Review
Research Advances in Wood Composites in Applications of Industrial Wastewater Purification and Solar-Driven Seawater Desalination
by Dongsheng Song, Dingqiang Zheng, Zhenghui Li, Chengyu Wang, Jian Li and Ming Zhang
Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4712; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244712 - 14 Dec 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1707
Abstract
In recent years, the ecosystem has been seriously affected by sewage discharge and oil spill accidents. A series of issues (such as the continuous pollution of the ecological environment and the imminent exhaustion of freshwater resources) are becoming more and more unmanageable, resulting [...] Read more.
In recent years, the ecosystem has been seriously affected by sewage discharge and oil spill accidents. A series of issues (such as the continuous pollution of the ecological environment and the imminent exhaustion of freshwater resources) are becoming more and more unmanageable, resulting in a crisis of water quality and quantity. Therefore, studies on industrial wastewater purification and solar-driven seawater desalination based on wood composites have been widely considered as an important development direction. This paper comprehensively analyzes and summarizes the applications of wood composites in the fields of solar-driven seawater desalination and polluted water purification. In particular, the present situation of industrial wastewater containing heavy metal ions, microorganisms, aromatic dyes and oil stains and related problems of solar-driven seawater desalination are comprehensively analyzed and summarized. Generally, functional nanomaterials are loaded into the wood cell wall, from which lignin and hemicellulose are selectively removed. Alternatively, functional groups are modified on the basis of the molecular structure of the wood microchannels. Due to its three-dimensional (3D) pore structure and low thermal conductivity, wood is an ideal substrate material for industrial wastewater purification and solar-driven seawater desalination. Based on the study of objective conditions such as the preparation process, modification method and selection of photothermal conversion materials, the performances of the wood composites in filtration, adsorption and seawater desalination are analyzed in detail. In addition, this work points out the problems and possible solutions in applying wood composites to industrial wastewater purification and solar-driven seawater desalination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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28 pages, 11598 KiB  
Review
Progress in the Preparation of Stimulus-Responsive Cellulose Hydrogels and Their Application in Slow-Release Fertilizers
by Zhenghui Li and Ming Zhang
Polymers 2023, 15(17), 3643; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15173643 - 4 Sep 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3112
Abstract
Agriculture is facing challenges such as water scarcity, low fertilizer utilization, food security and environmental sustainability. Therefore, the development of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) with controlled water retention and release is particularly important. Slow-release fertilizer hydrogel (SRFH) has a three-dimensional (3D) network structure combined [...] Read more.
Agriculture is facing challenges such as water scarcity, low fertilizer utilization, food security and environmental sustainability. Therefore, the development of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) with controlled water retention and release is particularly important. Slow-release fertilizer hydrogel (SRFH) has a three-dimensional (3D) network structure combined with fertilizer processing, displaying excellent hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and controllability. Cellulose has abundant hydroxyl groups as well as outstanding biodegradability and special mechanical properties, which make it a potential candidate material for the fabrication of hydrogels. This work would analyze and discuss various methods for preparing stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels and their combinations with different fertilizers. Moreover, the application and release mechanism of stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels in SRF have been summarized as well. Finally, we would explore the potential issues of stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels serving as an SRF, propose reasonable solutions and give an outlook of the future research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Wood Polymer Composites)
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