Editorial

3 pages, 181 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Antonios N. Papadopoulos

Polymers 2021, 13(1), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010163 - 05 Jan 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2145

Wood composites are man-made materials that can be easily manufactured from a variety of raw lignocellulosic materials and the appropriate binder [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

Research

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18 pages, 4134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on the Physical Properties of Medium Density Fiberboard

by Waheed Gul, Hussein Alrobei, Syed Riaz Akbar Shah and Afzal Khan

Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122911 - 04 Dec 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3048

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles on the physical properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF). In this study, three different nano iron oxide loadings, i.e., 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 wt %, and untreated poplar fibers [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the influence of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles on the physical properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF). In this study, three different nano iron oxide loadings, i.e., 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 wt %, and untreated poplar fibers were used. The iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles were initially dispersed into urea formaldehyde resin using a high-vacuum mechanical stirrer before being incorporated into natural fibers. The untreated poplar fibers were wound onto metal frames to produce dry mat layers. Twenty different composite samples were made. All composite samples were tested for physical properties, i.e., thickness swelling, water absorption, moisture content and density in accordance with standards EN-317, ASTM D570, EN-322 and EN-323 respectively. Based on the results, it was found that the incorporation of homogeneously dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles significantly improved thickness swelling (Ts). Moreover, water absorption (WA) improved by up to 49.18 and 34.54%, respectively, at the highest loading of 2.5 wt %. Microstructure was investigated and characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and we examined whether iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit good interactions with urea formaldehyde and poplar wood fibers. Heat and mass transfer investigation in the form of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out due to the impact of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The curing temperature and thermal stability of the resin were enhanced due to the addition of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. A one-way ANOVA statistical analysis was established to effectively control the use of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. Therefore, the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles in an epoxy polymer contributes to a stiffer matrix that, effectively, enhances the capability of improving the physical properties of nano MDF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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10 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Larch Bark as a Formaldehyde Scavenger in Thermal Insulation Panels

by Marius Cătălin Barbu, Yasmin Lohninger, Simon Hofmann, Günther Kain, Alexander Petutschnigg and Eugenia Mariana Tudor

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2632; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112632 - 10 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2191

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the formaldehyde content and emissions of bark-based insulation panels bonded with three types of adhesives: urea formaldehyde, melamine urea-formaldehyde, and tannin-based adhesives. These panels were produced at two levels of density—300 and 500 kg/m³ [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to investigate the formaldehyde content and emissions of bark-based insulation panels bonded with three types of adhesives: urea formaldehyde, melamine urea-formaldehyde, and tannin-based adhesives. These panels were produced at two levels of density—300 and 500 kg/m³—and a thickness of 20 mm, and the influence of the adhesive amount and type on the formaldehyde emissions and content was measured. Other mechanical and physical properties such as modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bond, and dimensional stability were also scrutinized. With one exception, all the panels belonged to the super E0 classification for free formaldehyde content (perforator value ≤1.5 mg/100 g oven dry mass of panels). The measurements using the desiccator method for formaldehyde emissions assigned all the testing specimens in the F **** category for low-emission panels according to the Japanese International Standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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13 pages, 3354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Lignin Content on Properties of Flexible Transparent Poplar Veneer Fabricated by Impregnation with Epoxy Resin

by Mengting Lu, Wen He, Ze Li, Han Qiang, Jizhou Cao, Feiyu Guo, Rui Wang and Zhihao Guo

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112602 - 05 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

In this work, poplar veneer (PV) rotary-cut from fast-growing polar was delignified to prepare flexible transparent poplar veneer (TPV). Lignin was gradually removed from the PV and then epoxy resin filled into the delignified PV. The study mainly concerns the effect of lignin [...] Read more.

In this work, poplar veneer (PV) rotary-cut from fast-growing polar was delignified to prepare flexible transparent poplar veneer (TPV). Lignin was gradually removed from the PV and then epoxy resin filled into the delignified PV. The study mainly concerns the effect of lignin content on microstructure, light transmittance, haze, tensile strength, and thermal stability of the PVs impregnated with epoxy resin. The results indicate that the lignin could be removed completely from the PV when the delignification time was around 8 h, which was proved by FTIR spectra and chemical component detection. Moreover, according to SEM observation and XRD testing, the porosity and crystallinity of the PVs were gradually increased with the removal of lignin. Also, the optical properties measurement indicated that the light transmittance and haze of the TPVs gradually increased, and the thermal stability also became more stable as shown by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). However, the tensile strength of the TPVs declined due to the removal of lignin. Among them, TPV₈ exhibited excellent optical properties, thermal stability, and tensile strength. Consequently, it has great potential to be used as a substrate in photovoltaics, solar cells, smart windows, etc. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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13 pages, 3854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofiber Aerogels Prepared via Two Different Drying Techniques

by Zhe Wang, Wenkai Zhu, Runzhou Huang, Yang Zhang, Chong Jia, Hua Zhao, Wei Chen and Yuanyuan Xue

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2583; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112583 - 03 Nov 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4615

Abstract

Studies on the influence of drying processes on cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogel performance has always been a great challenge. In this study, CNF aerogels were prepared via two different drying techniques. The CNF solution was prepared via existing chemical methods, and the resultant [...] Read more.

Studies on the influence of drying processes on cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogel performance has always been a great challenge. In this study, CNF aerogels were prepared via two different drying techniques. The CNF solution was prepared via existing chemical methods, and the resultant aerogel was fabricated through supercritical CO₂ drying and liquid nitrogen freeze-drying techniques. The microstructure, shrinkage, specific surface area, pore volume, density, compression strength, and isothermal desorption curves of CNF aerogel were characterized. The aerogel obtained from the liquid nitrogen freeze-drying method showed a relatively higher shrinkage, higher compression strength, lower specific surface area, higher pore volume, and higher density. The N₂ adsorption capacity and pore diameter of the aerogel obtained via the liquid nitrogen freeze-drying method were lower than the aerogel that underwent supercritical CO₂ drying. However, the structures of CNF aerogels obtained from these two drying methods were extremely similar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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16 pages, 4751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Biodegradable Flame-Retardant Bamboo Charcoal Composites, Part II: Thermal Degradation, Gas Phase, and Elemental Analyses

by Shanshan Wang, Liang Zhang, Kate Semple, Min Zhang, Wenbiao Zhang and Chunping Dai

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2238; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102238 - 28 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2608

Abstract

Bamboo charcoal (BC) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) singly and in combination were investigated as flame-retardant fillers for polylactic acid (PLA). A set of BC/PLA/AHP composites were prepared by melt-blending and tested for thermal and flame-retardancy properties in Part I. Here, in Part II, [...] Read more.

Bamboo charcoal (BC) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) singly and in combination were investigated as flame-retardant fillers for polylactic acid (PLA). A set of BC/PLA/AHP composites were prepared by melt-blending and tested for thermal and flame-retardancy properties in Part I. Here, in Part II, the results for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron analysis (XPS) are presented. The fillers either singly or together promoted earlier initial thermal degradation of the surface of BC/PLA/AHP composites, with a carbon residue rate up to 40.3%, providing a protective layer of char. Additionally, BC promotes heterogeneous nucleation of PLA, while AHP improves the mechanical properties and machinability. Gaseous combustion products CO, aromatic compounds, and carbonyl groups were significantly suppressed in only the BC-PLA composite, but not pure PLA or the BC/PLA/AHP system. The flame-retardant effects of AHP and BC-AHP co-addition combine effective gas-phase and condensed-phase surface phenomena that provide a heat and oxygen barrier, protecting the inner matrix. While it generated much CO₂ and smoke during combustion, it is not yet clear whether BC addition on its own contributes any significant gas phase protection for PLA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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18 pages, 6818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Biodegradable Flame-Retardant Bamboo Charcoal Composites, Part I: Thermal and Elemental Analyses

by Shanshan Wang, Liang Zhang, Kate Semple, Min Zhang, Wenbiao Zhang and Chunping Dai

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2217; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102217 - 27 Sep 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2846

Abstract

In this study, bamboo charcoal (BC) was used as a substitute filler for bamboo powder (BP) in a lignocellulose-plastic composite made from polylactic acid (PLA), with aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) added as a fire retardant. A set of BC/PLA/AHP composites were successfully prepared and [...] Read more.

In this study, bamboo charcoal (BC) was used as a substitute filler for bamboo powder (BP) in a lignocellulose-plastic composite made from polylactic acid (PLA), with aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) added as a fire retardant. A set of BC/PLA/AHP composites were successfully prepared and tested for flame-retardancy properties. Objectives were to (a) assess compatibility and dispersibility of BC and AHP fillers in PLA matrix, and (b) improve flame-retardant properties of PLA composite. BC reduced flexural properties while co-addition of AHP enhanced bonding between PLA and BC, improving strength and ductility properties. Adding AHP drastically reduced the heat release rate and total heat release of the composites by 72.2% compared with pure PLA. The formation of carbonized surface layers in the BC/PLA/AHP composites effectively improved the fire performance index (FPI) and reduced the fire growth index (FGI). Flame-retardant performance was significantly improved with limiting oxygen index (LOI) of BC/PLA/AHP composite increased to 31 vol%, providing a V-0 rating in UL-94 vertical flame test. Adding AHP promoted earlier initial thermal degradation of the surface of BC/PLA/AHP composites with a carbon residue rate up to 40.3%, providing a protective layer of char. Further raw material and char residue analysis are presented in Part II of this series. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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16 pages, 3446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bark Thermal Insulation Panels: An Explorative Study on the Effects of Bark Species

by Günther Kain, Eugenia Mariana Tudor and Marius-Catalin Barbu

Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2140; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12092140 - 19 Sep 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3199

Abstract

Tree bark is a byproduct of the timber industry which accrues in large amounts, because approximately 10% of the volume a log is bark. Bark is used primarily for low-value applications such as fuel or as a soil covering material in agriculture. Within [...] Read more.

Tree bark is a byproduct of the timber industry which accrues in large amounts, because approximately 10% of the volume a log is bark. Bark is used primarily for low-value applications such as fuel or as a soil covering material in agriculture. Within the present study, thermal insulation panels made from larch, pine, spruce, fir and oak tree bark with different resins (urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, Quebracho, Mimosa) as a binder are discussed. Also, the properties of panels made from larch bark mixed with industrial popcorn are investigated. The physical-mechanical properties of the panels, which are dependent on panel density, bark species, resin type, resin content and particle size, are analyzed. The bark species has a minor effect on the mechanical characteristics of the panels, while the compression ratio is important for the panel strength, and hence, barks with lower bulk density are preferable. Under laboratory conditions, panels made with green tannin resins proved to have adequate properties for practical use. The addition of popcorn is a means to lower the panel density, but the water absorption of such panels is comparably high. The bark type has a minor effect on the thermal conductivity of the panels; rather, this parameter is predominantly affected by the panel density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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14 pages, 19700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Kinetics of a Lignin-Based Flame Retardant

by Xiaoxuan Liang, Qixiang Hu, Xu Wang, Liang Li, Yuguo Dong, Chang Sun, Chengjuan Hu and Xiaoli Gu

Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2123; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12092123 - 17 Sep 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2617

Abstract

In order to improve the thermal property of epoxy resin (EP), a lignin-based flame retardant was prepared. Focusing on the lignin-based flame retardant, this paper investigates its pyrolysis behavior and kinetics via a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG–FTIR). Based [...] Read more.

In order to improve the thermal property of epoxy resin (EP), a lignin-based flame retardant was prepared. Focusing on the lignin-based flame retardant, this paper investigates its pyrolysis behavior and kinetics via a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG–FTIR). Based on the FTIR result, which showed a peak at 1222 cm⁻¹, it was assigned a syringyl structure. Its absorption peak intensity was enhanced and this meant that the phenolization of the lignin was successful. Thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) results showed that the carbon residues of F-lignin and F-lignin@APP were reduced to 33.5% and 37.5%, respectively. In addition, the maximum decomposition rate of F-lignin@APP20/EP is 11.8%/min, which is 8%/min and 4.7%/min lower than for EP and Al-lignin, respectively. The char residue of F-lignin@APP20/EP is 32.5%, which is much higher than for EP. Lower decomposition rate and higher char residue indicate the improvement of thermal stability of EP by F-lignin@APP. Moreover, the kinetics of Al-lignin20/EP and F-lignin@APP20/EP were conducted by two kinetic methods: Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS). It was concluded that the pyrolysis process of Al-lignin 20/EP and F-lignin@APP 20/EP could be divided into three stages, while the value and growth rate of the activation energy of F-lignin@APP 20/EP were much higher than that of Al-lignin 20/EP in stage III. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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13 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of High Strength Plywood from Partially Delignified Densified Wood

by Matthias Jakob, Gregor Stemmer, Ivana Czabany, Ulrich Müller and Wolfgang Gindl-Altmutter

Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081796 - 11 Aug 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4253

Abstract

Wood and natural fibers exhibit an advantageous combination of good mechanics at comparably low density. Nevertheless, comparing absolute strength and stiffness, wood is clearly inferior to materials such as metals and engineered composites. Since there is a strong correlation between wood density and [...] Read more.

Wood and natural fibers exhibit an advantageous combination of good mechanics at comparably low density. Nevertheless, comparing absolute strength and stiffness, wood is clearly inferior to materials such as metals and engineered composites. Since there is a strong correlation between wood density and wood mechanical performance, densification by transversal compression suggests itself as a route towards improved mechanics. Partially delignified densified spruce veneers with excellent tensile properties were produced by means of an alkaline (AL) and an organosolv (OS) approach. Plywood specimens were manufactured using treated veneers glued with a phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde adhesive and were compared with plywood samples made of native spruce veneers (Ref) and spruce veneer densified after plasticization by water impregnation (H₂O). Roughly, the bending strength and the modulus of elasticity of plywood from partially delignified densified wood were improved by a factor of 2.4 and 3.5, respectively. Interlaminar shear strength did not match this improvement after partial delignification. Together with excessive thickness swelling, this might be a drawback of partially delignified densified wood in need for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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10 pages, 1299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water-Resistant Casein-Based Adhesives for Veneer Bonding in Biodegradable Ski Cores

by Ronald Schwarzenbrunner, Marius Catalin Barbu, Alexander Petutschnigg and Eugenia Mariana Tudor

Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081745 - 05 Aug 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5478

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of casein-based adhesives for the bonding of ash (Fraxinus spp.) veneers for the manufacture of biodegradable skis. Different formulations containing casein powder, water, lime, sodium silicate, and various glue amounts were tested [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of casein-based adhesives for the bonding of ash (Fraxinus spp.) veneers for the manufacture of biodegradable skis. Different formulations containing casein powder, water, lime, sodium silicate, and various glue amounts were tested for shear strength after water storage, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity, water absorption, and thickness swelling. Two other classic wood adhesives, namely epoxy and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) type D4 were used as control. The highest efficiency of both mechanical and physical properties was recorded for the samples glued with caseins and an increased amount of lime. There was also an affinity between casein adhesive distribution and physical and mechanical plywood performance. Moreover, the developed casein-based glues were also used to bond the plywood for ski cores and tested in real-life winter conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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12 pages, 3581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Mechanical, Hydrophobicity and Thermal Properties of Chinese Fir Wood by Impregnation of Nano Silica Sol

by Enguang Xu, Yanjuan Zhang and Lanying Lin

Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081632 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 3244

Abstract

In this paper, a wood-SiO₂ composite material was prepared via in-situ polymerization using vacuum/pressure impregnation technology using commercial scale nano silica sol and Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolate (Lamb.) Hook.). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), [...] Read more.

In this paper, a wood-SiO₂ composite material was prepared via in-situ polymerization using vacuum/pressure impregnation technology using commercial scale nano silica sol and Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolate (Lamb.) Hook.). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and water contact angle were used to study the changes in the microstructure and physical and mechanical properties of this composite. The results showed that silica sol can penetrate and distribute into the wood cell cavities and surface of cell walls and hence combine with the substances of wood materials. FTIR results indicated that the –OH groups of wood can polycondense in-situ with silica sol to form Si–O–C covalent bonds, and amorphous SiO₂ formed from Si–O–Si bonds between the –OH groups of silica sol did not change the crystalline structure of wood cell walls. This in-situ formulating composite significantly improved the compact microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties, and hydrophobicity of the composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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9 pages, 1380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Buffer Effect of Different Wood Species and the Influence of Oak on Panel Composites Binders

by Franco Policardi and Marion Thebault

Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12071540 - 12 Jul 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2096

Abstract

The buffer action of certain wood species can intensely affect the curing and hardening of some thermosetting wood adhesives. The present article presents a quantification of such buffering effects, determined under controlled conditions, in various wood species. The buffer capacity of oak has [...] Read more.

The buffer action of certain wood species can intensely affect the curing and hardening of some thermosetting wood adhesives. The present article presents a quantification of such buffering effects, determined under controlled conditions, in various wood species. The buffer capacity of oak has been found to be rather extreme and is likely to affect quite heavily the ability of urea-formaldehyde (UF) and melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) wood panel adhesives in industrial operations. A variation of the buffer capacity of furnishes containing between 0% and 30% oak chips has been investigated. This was correlated with the internal bond (IB) strength of MUF bonded laboratory particleboards. The wood mixture buffering capacity increases with the oak content, while the panel IB strength decreases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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14 pages, 4407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Composites Consisting of Cellulose Nanofibers and Na⁺ Montmorillonite Clay: Morphology and Performance Property

by Runzhou Huang, Xian Zhang, Huiyuan Li, Dingguo Zhou and Qinglin Wu

Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12071448 - 28 Jun 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2436

Abstract

This paper reports the usage of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as a continuous nanoporous matrix and nanoclay (NC) as additive to fabricate hybrid films. CNF/Cloisite Na+ nanoclay composite films containing 10–50 wt % of NC were prepared for the study. The effects of NC [...] Read more.

This paper reports the usage of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as a continuous nanoporous matrix and nanoclay (NC) as additive to fabricate hybrid films. CNF/Cloisite Na+ nanoclay composite films containing 10–50 wt % of NC were prepared for the study. The effects of NC incorporation and its content on mechanical, wettability and thermal degradation properties were investigated. The results showed that the film had a multilayer structure with gradually deposited CNT-NC hybrid on the filter paper Pure CNF films had higher moduli compared with those from the composite films, as the incorporation of NC decreased hydrogen bonding and networking ability of CNFs, especially at the high NC loading levels. The composite films demonstrated self-extinguishing ability when being exposed to the open flame. Composites with over 35 wt % NC did not burn because of the formation of a protective barrier containing ordered NC platelets. The addition of montmorillonite NC led to increased surface water contact angle, showing enhanced hydrophobicity of the material. During the film’s thermal pyrolysis, the first process occurred between 100 and 200 °C, resulting mainly from the evaporation of absorbed water; the second, between 280 and 350 °C, indicated thermal decomposition of cellulose; and the slow third stage happened from the 350 to 600 °C, representing carbonization. The results demonstrate that the apparent activation energies for all the CNF/NC composites were higher than the pure CNF film. CNF/NC films fabricated in this process are a promising barrier material for packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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Review

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21 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessReview

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Wood and Wood-Based Panels: Methods for Evaluation, Potential Health Risks, and Mitigation

by Tereza Adamová, Jaromír Hradecký and Miloš Pánek

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2289; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102289 - 06 Oct 2020

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 6659

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained in various construction materials and interior equipment. Their higher concentrations in the indoor air are associated with negative effects on human health and are disputed in terms of health risk, since people spend a considerable part of [...] Read more.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained in various construction materials and interior equipment. Their higher concentrations in the indoor air are associated with negative effects on human health and are disputed in terms of health risk, since people spend a considerable part of their lifetime indoors. Therefore, the presence of VOCs in indoor air is a case of concern regarding sick building syndrome (SBS). From a historical point of view, wood and wood-based panels represent a widely used material. Nevertheless, wood appears to be nowadays a product and a material of a sustainable future. Depending on wood extractives’ composition and an abundance of diverse wood species, different profiles of volatiles are emitted. In case of wood-based panels, the impact of adhesives and additives that are essentially applied aiming to adjust the panels’ properties is even enriching this cocktail of chemicals. This paper comprises the issue of VOCs emitted from wood and wood-based panels. The most abundant VOCs were summarized. The options of VOCs for analytical determination from these matrixes are described with their benefits and limitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood Composites III)

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