Research on Wood-Based Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Wood-based composite (WBC) is a concept that refers to both conventional wood-based materials and new-generation materials made from wood processed into various forms (lumber, veneers, chips, particles, fibers, flours) in combination with other wood or non-wood materials. Their bonding is carried out with synthetic or natural binding agents, mineral binders and mechanical fasteners. WBCs are currently experiencing dynamic development resulting in a significant increase in their production and range of applications. They are mainly used in the production of interior furnishings, furniture and building structures. In addition, they are also used in the energy sector, electronics and automotive industries, in transportation and in the manufacture of packaging and pallets. The advantage of WBCs is that they can be designed to meet a range of specific requirements, whether in terms of geometry, density, bio- and water resistance, fire proofing, durability, strength or thermal and acoustic insulation. In addition, their manufacture makes it possible to reduce the use of wood or the use of lower-quality and small-sized wood and other types of material, often recycled. For years, WBCs have also attracted increasing attention from various research institutions seeking to develop a new sustainable product. Therefore, the purpose of this special issue is to present the latest research on the manufacturing technology process, its efficiency and cost reduction, and the properties of the conventional as well as a new type of wood-based composite. Particularly, welcome are works on the development of a new type of environmentally friendly binding systems, the use of alternative raw materials, the improvement of hygienic, durability and quality of WBCs (thermal and chemical treatment of raw material and finished product, the use of nanomaterials), the development of new materials with a three-dimensional structure, multilayer composites (sandwich panel), lightweight composites, hybrid composites, their assembly systems and the recycling process of WBCs.

Dr. Dorota Dukarska
Prof. Dr. Pavlo Bekhta
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.