Green Strategy for Improving the Formation of Reconstituted Wood-Based Composites

In this study, a novel strategy inspired by the low melting temperature of a deep eutectic system (DES) was proposed to improve the efficient formation of reconstituted wood-based composites prepared via hot pressing. Hydrogen bond acceptors were used to prepare DES with lignin and hemicelluloses in a wood matrix in situ to achieve this goal. The feasibility and performance mechanism of this method were investigated in depth. Results show that the glass-transition point, Tg, of the amorphous components could reduce by more than 30 degrees C after the formation of DES. The dimensional stability and mechanical performances of the reconstituted wood-based composites were synchronously improved. The uniform bonding structure formed due to the efficient distribution of amorphous components (lignin and hemicelluloses) between the bonded interface driven by low-temperature melting of DES was an important reason for this phenomenon. In addition, the re-condensation of the degradation products of the amorphous components in wood also contributed to this. The consumption of a synthetic adhesive for wood interface bonding will be reduced in this situation. This work created a revolutionary approach for the preparation of green wood-based composites.

Automated summary

A novel strategy using a deep eutectic system (DES) with low melting temperature was proposed to improve the efficient formation of reconstituted wood-based composites prepared via hot pressing. The feasibility and performance mechanism of this method were investigated in depth. Results showed that the dimensional stability and mechanical performances of the composites were improved due to the efficient distribution of amorphous components and re-condensation of degradation products.