Scalable high-performance wood-based composites prepared by hydro-mechanical treatment

Developing an efficient, eco-friendly method for manufacturing structural biomaterials is crucial in fostering environmental sustainability. In this study, we introduced a hydro-mechanical pretreatment coupled with resin impregnation and hot pressing to create high-performance wood-based composites (WC) using rapidly growing natural wood. We conducted a thorough analysis to assess the impact of water content on the physical and chemical properties of natural wood, as well as the structural response of wood undergoing hydro-mechanical treatment. The results demonstrated that water significantly aids in transforming the weak-phase structure of wood, thereby preserving wood cell integrity to the maximum extent during subsequent mechanical dissociation processes. Due to the presence of retained cells and the distinctive three-dimensional bonding interface structure, the WC exhibited a bending strength of 231 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of 25 GPa, both surpassing those of natural wood by a factor of 2.1 and exceeding typical wood-based composites. Furthermore, WC exhibited minimal dimensional changes, with a mere 6.45 % increase in thickness and a 1.65 % increase in width following a 24-h hydrothermal treatment at 63 °C. Our approach to producing high-performance WC through a simple, entirely physical method utilizing rapidly growing natural wood holds great potential for advancing the development of a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable society.