Search Results (162)

Construction and demolition byproducts include substantial amounts of wood panel waste (WPW) that pose environmental challenges. They also create opportunities for sustainable resource recovery. This study investigates the potential of WPW-derived biochar as an efficient adsorbent for phenol removal from aqueous solutions. Biochar was produced via pyrolysis at 450 °C and subsequent activation at 750, 850, and 950 °C. The biochar’s physicochemical properties, including surface area, pore volume, and elemental composition, were characterized using advanced methods, including BET analysis, elemental analysis, and adsorption isotherm analysis. Activated biochar demonstrated up to nine times higher adsorption capacity than raw biochar, with a maximum of 171.9 mg/g at 950 °C under optimal conditions: pH of 6 at 25 °C, initial phenol concentration of 200 mg/L, and biochar dosage of 1 g/L of solution for 48 h. Kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that phenol adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model and fit the Langmuir isotherm, indicating chemisorption and monolayer adsorption mechanisms. Leaching tests confirmed the biochar’s environmental safety, with heavy metal concentrations well below regulatory limits. Based on these findings, WPW biochar offers a promising, eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment in line with circular economy and green chemistry principles. Full article

Canadian sawmills commonly use chipper-canters to process softwood logs into squared lumber and wood chips for pulp mills. However, the declining demand for newsprint and print paper has led to an oversupply of wood chips, resulting in economic losses and environmental concerns. To address this issue, a strander-canter capable of producing both softwood cants and strands for oriented strand board (OSB) presents a promising alternative. This study evaluates the feasibility of using jack pine strands generated by a novel strander-canter equipped with a cutterhead for OSB strand production. Strands were generated from frozen and unfrozen logs under varying cutting parameters and incorporated in the core layer of the panels. Industrial aspen strands were used for the surface layers. OSB panels were assessed for mechanical and physical properties following the CSA O325:21 standard. Strand size distribution and vertical density profiles were also analyzed. The results indicated that panels made from jack pine strands demonstrated bending and internal bond properties that were either comparable to or superior to those of the control panels. However, including jack pine strands in the core layer increased the thickness swelling of the panels. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are an emerging category of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable materials that are attracting significant research and commercial interest across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and biomedicine. These materials harness the natural growth of fungi as a low-energy bio-fabrication method, converting abundant agricultural by-products and waste into sustainable alternatives to energy-intensive synthetic construction materials. Their affordability and eco-friendly characteristics make them attractive for both research and commercialisation. Currently, mycelium-based foams and sandwich composites are being actively developed for applications in construction. These materials offer exceptional thermal insulation, excellent acoustic absorption, and superior fire safety compared to conventional building materials like synthetic foams and engineered wood. As a result, MBCs show great potential for applications in thermal and acoustic insulation. However, their foam-like mechanical properties, high water absorption, and limited documentation of material properties restrict their use to non- or semi-structural roles, such as insulation, panelling, and furniture. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the fabrication process and the factors affecting the production and performance properties of MBCs. It addresses key elements such as fungal species selection, substrate choice, optimal growth conditions, dehydration methods, post-processing techniques, mechanical and physical properties, termite resistance, cost comparison, and life cycle assessment. Full article

Fabric veneer panels were prepared using ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film (EVA) as the intermediate layer and poplar plywood as the substrate. Eight fabrics with different compositions were selected for evaluation to screen out fabric materials suitable for poplar plywood veneer. The fabrics were objectively analyzed by bending and draping, compression, and surface roughness, and subjectively evaluated by establishing seven levels of semantic differences. ESEM, surface adhesive properties, and peel resistance tests were used to characterize the microstructure and physical–mechanical properties of the composites. The results show that cotton and linen fabrics and corduroy fabrics are superior to other fabrics in performance, and they are suitable for decorative materials. Because the fibers of the doupioni silk fabric are too thin, and the fibers of felt fabric are randomly staggered, they are not suitable for the surface decoration materials of man-made panels. The acetate veneer surface gluing performance was 1.31 MPa, and the longitudinal peel resistance was 20.98 N, significantly exceeding that of other fabric veneers. Through the subjective and objective analysis of fabrics and gluing performance tests, it was concluded that, compared with fabrics made of natural fibers, man-made fiber fabrics are more suitable for use as surface finishing materials for wood-based panels. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and process reference for the development of environmentally friendly decorative panels, which can be expanded and applied to furniture, interior decoration, and other fields. Full article

This research aimed to evaluate the biological resistance to xylophagous organisms and the dimensional stability related to water absorption in plastic wood panels manufactured by compression molding and produced with pine wood and recycled thermoplastics. The wood–plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared from 50% pine sawdust and 50% recycled plastics (polyethylene terephthalate-PET, high-density polyethylene-HDPE, and polypropylene-PP). The thickness swelling test was carried out by immersing of the WPC samples in water at room temperature (25–30 °C) and evaluating the total change in WPC thickness after 1500 h (≈9 weeks or two months). In addition, the coefficient of initial swelling was evaluated to verify the variability of the swelling. For the biological resistance evaluation of the WPCs, tests were carried out with soil or arboreal termites (Nasutitermes corniger) and drywood termites (Cryptotermes brevis). The WPC loss of mass and termite mortality were evaluated. The use of PP promoted the best response to thickness swelling. The simple mathematical model adopted offers real predictions to evaluate the thickness of the swelling of the compounds in a given time. For some variables there were no statistical differences. It was shown that treatment 3 (T3) presented visual damage values between 0.4 for drywood termites and 9.4 for soil termites, in addition to 26% termite mortality, represented by the lowest survival time of 12 days. The developed treatments have resistance to termite attacks; these properties can be an important starting point for its use on a larger scale by the panel industries. Full article

Sustainability and the circular economy are increasingly recognized as global priorities, particularly in industrial waste management. This study explores the development of a sustainable composite material using wood waste and natural fibers, contributing to circular economy practices. Sandwich panels were manufactured with a green epoxy resin matrix, incorporating wood waste in the core and flax fibers in the outer layers. Mechanical tests on the sandwich panel revealed a facing bending stress of 92.79 MPa and a core shear stress of 2.43 MPa. The panel demonstrated good compressive performance, with an edgewise compressive strength of 61.39 MPa and a flatwise compressive strength of 96.66 MPa. The material’s viscoelastic behavior was also characterized. In stress relaxation tests (from an initial 21 MPa), the panel’s stress decreased by 20.2% after three hours. The experimental relaxation data were successfully fitted by the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts (KWW) model for both short- and long-term predictions. In creep tests, the panel showed a 21.30% increase in displacement after three hours under a 21 MPa load. For creep behavior, the KWW model was preferable for short-term predictions, while the Findley model provided a better fit for long-term predictions. Full article

Lightweight, layered wood-based panels are gaining attention due to favorable mechanical and physical properties. This study examined numerical modeling as a method to predict the strength of innovative three-layer sandwich panels with thermoplastic cores containing wood particles as the filler. Two core geometries (F and S) and two material formulations (60% HDPE + 40% sawdust, and 40% HDPE + 60% sawdust) were tested. The panels were produced without additional adhesives; bonding with high-density fiberboard (HDF) facings was achieved through the thermoplastic properties of the core. Mechanical properties such as bending strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and compressive strength perpendicular to the surface were measured. Results showed that both core geometry and material composition significantly influenced structural performance. Panels with the F profile showed better bending strength and stiffness (MOR—13.2 N/mm², MOE—2017 N/mm²), while the S profile had higher compressive strength (0.62 N/mm²). Numerical simulations using SolidWorks Simulation confirmed the experimental data, with stress and displacement distributions matching laboratory results. These findings demonstrate the potential of thermoplastically formed cores for creating lightweight, recyclable wood-based composites with tailored mechanical properties. Full article

In recent decades, the use of wood pieces has been promoted as a viable alternative to barrels to improve the quality of white wines. However, most available studies have focused on red wines. Given that white and red wines present significant oenological differences that affect their development and final characteristics, it is necessary to expand research specifically to the case of white wines. For this reason, this study evaluates the impact of using pieces of traditional oak wood (Quercus petraea (two origins: French and Romanian) and Quercus alba), other oaks (Quercus humboldtti and Quercus candicans) and other genera (Robinia pseudoacacia, Acacia dealbata, Prunus avium and Nothofagus pumilio) on the quality of white wine during the short period of contact with the wood. The results show that aging with the different woods has little effect on the oenological parameters of the wine; however, it does lead to a change in the phenolic composition and in the final chromatic characteristics of the white wines. From a sensory point of view, the wines showed different sensory profiles depending on the type of wood used. In general, the tasting panel preferred the white wine aged with French Quercus petraea wood pieces, followed by the wine aged with Quercus humboldtti wood pieces and the wine aged with Robinia speudoacacia wood pieces. This research improves our understanding of the potential impact of using pieces of different woods in white wines, describing the potential interest of some that have not been studied before, such as Quercus humboldtti. Full article

Due to the development of wooden construction as an ecological alternative to brick construction with a high carbon footprint, there is increasing interest in materials such as plywood and LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber). These engineered wood products have many advantages compared to wood, such as a more uniform distribution of bending, shear, tensile, and compressive strength. However, they require improvements in fire and biological resistance. The flammability of wood and wood composites is a challenge that will allow these materials to stand out as structural or finishing materials. During combustion, toxic gases may be released, which can be harmful to people and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify whether fire-resistant wood materials are truly resistant to fire and non-toxic in fire conditions. On the other hand, flame retardants should not reduce the mechanical parameters of panels. This work analyses the current requirements (standards) regarding plywood intended for construction and the existing flame retardants for plywood and LVL based on the latest reports in the literature. We then propose an original method for evaluating future chemicals. Additionally, methods for assessing the flame retardancy of plywood and LVL based on the latest reports in the literature are described, and an original method for assessing flame retardancy methods is proposed. Full article

This study explores the lamination performance of wood-plastic composite boards designed for indoor decoration, aiming to enhance adhesion between a wood fiber/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composite board and poplar wood veneer by incorporating fabrics (canvas or polyester fibers) as an intermediate layer. Traditional adhesives, such as polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and isocyanate, were utilized to create decorative panels with a multi-interface sandwich structure. The impacts of factors such as the hot-pressing temperature, wood fiber content in the substrate, and fabric type on the performance of the panels were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the hot-pressing temperature of the substrate had minimal effect on the lamination performance. Panels that used canvas fabric as the intermediate layer and bonded with a mixed adhesive of PVAc and isocyanate exhibited superior surface bonding strength (2.76 MPa), bending properties (strength = 49.21 MPa; modulus = 3.92 MPa), and tensile properties (strength = 31.62 MPa; modulus = 1.51 GPa). The enhanced performance was attributed to the covalent bonding formed by isocyanate with canvas fabric, polyester fibers, and wood veneer, whereas PVAc primarily established physical bonds through penetration. Full article

This paper presents an experimental investigation of six different types of composite sandwich panels manufactured from waste-based materials, which are comprised of two different types of skins (made from hemp and recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) fabrics with bio-epoxy resin) and three different cores (composite wood, recycled plastic, and styrofoam) materials. The skins of these sandwich panels were investigated under five different environmental conditions (normal air, water, hygrothermal, saline solution, and 80 °C elevated temperature) over seven months to evaluate their durability performance. In addition, the tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of those sandwich panels were studied. The bending behavior of cores and sandwich panels was also investigated and compared. The results indicated that elevated temperatures are 30% more detrimental to fiber composite laminates than normal water. Composite laminates made of hemp are more sensitive to environmental conditions than composite laminates made of recycled PET. A higher-density core makes panels more rigid and less susceptible to indentation failure. The flexible plastic cores are found to be up to 25% more effective at increasing the strength of sandwich panels than brittle wood cores. Full article

Eucalyptus wood particleboard (EPB), commonly used in indoor decoration, releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can adversely affect indoor air quality and human health. This study systematically examined the VOC emission characteristics of EPB using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 65 VOCs were identified, with medium-volatility organic compounds (MVOCs) accounting for 28 compounds, low-volatility organic compounds (LVOCs) for 26, and high-volatility organic compounds (HVOCs) for 11. Terpenoids dominated the VOCs, comprising 78.46%, followed by aldehydes (10.77%) and alkanes (7.69%). Key odorant compounds (KOCs) were identified using the relative odor activity value (ROAV), with hexanal (ROAV = 100) and o-cymene (ROAV = 76.90) emerging as the most significant contributors to the overall odor profile. Thermal post-treatment at temperatures of 50–60 °C for durations of 6–12 h was found to be an effective method for reducing the residual VOCs and KOCs in the EPB, leading to a marked decrease in the peak areas of key odorants. The findings suggest several strategies for minimizing VOC emissions and eliminating residual odor, including reducing the use of miscellaneous wood materials, controlling the production of o-cymene, and employing thermal post-treatment at moderate temperatures. These measures provide a promising approach to reducing VOC and odor emissions from EPB and similar composite wood products, thereby enhancing their suitability for indoor applications. This study innovatively establishes an evaluation system for VOC emission characteristics in wood-based panels based on the ROAV. It elucidates the contribution mechanisms of key odor-active substances (e.g., hexanal and pentanal) and presents a thermal post-treatment process for source control, achieving simultaneous VOCs and odor elimination. A ROAV-guided hierarchical management strategy is proposed, providing scientific guidelines for the industrial production of high-quality particleboards with ultralow emissions (TVOC < 50 μg/m³) and minimal odor intensity (OI < Grade 3). Full article

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of wood composites as sustainable acoustic materials and to explore their integration with advanced manufacturing techniques for improved performance. Using a comprehensive review methodology, the paper analyzes recent innovations in wood composites, focusing on the combination with other sustainable materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and natural fibers. The results show that wood composites can achieve sound absorption coefficients (α) of up to 0.9, with oak panels showing transmission losses of up to 11 dB. In addition, advanced designs, including biodegradable panels and lightweight honeycomb structures, significantly improve sound transmission loss, with an average sound transmission loss (TLeq) of up to 28.3 dB reported for composite panels made from waste tire rubber. In addition, the study highlights the environmental benefits achieved through the use of agricultural byproducts and industrial waste in the development of these materials, confirming the role of wood composites as a carbon-neutral alternative in the quest for green building solutions. This study provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of wood composites for sustainable acoustic applications. Full article

The enhanced use of wood residues from the timber industry contributes to mitigating the global climate crisis. Currently, bark, a by-product of the timber industry, is primarily burned for thermal energy generation. However, with the growing demand for lignocellulosic products and the emphasis on extending life cycles, it would be more beneficial to prioritize substantial uses of bark over thermal utilization. Although numerous methods for substantial bark utilization have been explored, a significant untapped potential remains. The extractives obtained through water extraction, for instance, can be applied to various further uses like biopolymers or medical applications. This study investigates the impact of hot water extraction on the mechanical and physical properties of bark-based panels, with the aim of extending the life cycle of tree bark and its valorization in bio-based composites. The findings demonstrate that hot water extraction can enhance the bending properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity) of bark-based panels. Additionally, the extractives obtained from the process have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and adhesive industries. The study also includes an LCIA that highlights the differences between the three scenarios addressed in this research, namely energy generation from bark-based biomass, extraction of bark, and use of extracted bark residues in the production of bark-based particleboard. Full article

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy can address the growing challenge of managing wood-based waste in the context of sustainability. This research explores pyrolysis as an effective method for converting wood-based waste, i.e., bamboo flooring (BF) and high-density fiberboard floor panels (HDF), into valuable products, particularly char. Char samples were activated through two distinct methods: (1) thermal activation at 700 and 850 °C and (2) chemical activation with KOH. Analytical techniques, including elemental and heavy metals analysis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM were used to assess the chemical composition and surface characteristics of the produced chars. Elemental analysis showed a notable rise in the amount of carbon to 81% and 75% in BF and HDF, respectively. The nitrogen content was relatively high in HDF at 5.12%. Heavy metals analysis revealed total metal contents ranging from 3632 to 9494 ppm in BF chars and 1717 to 7426 ppm in HDF chars. Raman spectra exhibited characteristic D and G bands, with I_D/I_G ratios of 0.83 for BF and 0.85 for HDF after activation. SEM and TEM analyses revealed heterogeneous porous structures with dominant carbon elements. The high carbon content, low toxicity, and advantageous elemental composition of the chars make them suitable for environmental applications. Full article