Gradient-Delignified Wood as a Sustainable Anisotropic Insulation Material.
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| Title: | Gradient-Delignified Wood as a Sustainable Anisotropic Insulation Material. |
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| Authors: | Chin, Yi Hien1,2 (AUTHOR) salah_eddine.ouldboukhitine@uca.fr, Ouldboukhitine, Salah-Eddine1,2 (AUTHOR), Vial, Christophe1,3 (AUTHOR), Gril, Joseph1,3,4 (AUTHOR), Moutou Pitti, Rostand1,4,5 (AUTHOR), Labonne, Nicolas2,6 (AUTHOR), Biwole, Pascal1,5,6 (AUTHOR) pascal.biwole@humboldt.edu |
| Source: | Energies (19961073). Oct2025, Vol. 18 Issue 20, p5519. 28p. |
| Subjects: | Delignification, Thermal conductivity, Wooden building, Anisotropic crystals, Engineered wood, Sustainable construction, Strength of materials, Insulating materials |
| Abstract: | Sustainable construction requires bio-based insulation materials that achieve low thermal conductivity without compromising mechanical performance. Poplar wood, which is locally abundant in France, serves as an effective carbon sink and represents a promising resource. While recent research has explored bulk wood delignification, the characterization of such modified materials remains insufficient for practical implementation. In this work, we report the development of gradient-delignified poplar wood through partial delignification using alcoholysis and sodium chlorite bleaching. This process produced a hybrid structure with delignified outer layers and a lignified core. Microscopic analyses revealed that lignin removal led to cell wall swelling and the formation of nano-scale pores. Compared to native poplar, the modified material showed lower transverse thermal conductivity (0.057 W·m−1·K−1), higher specific heat capacity (1.4 kJ·K−1·kg−1 at 20 °C), increased hygroscopicity, and reduced longitudinal compressive strength (15.9 MPa). The retention of the lignified core preserved dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity, thereby overcoming the limitations of complete delignification. In contrast to synthetic foams or mineral wools, these findings demonstrate that partial delignification can produce anisotropic wood-based insulation materials that combine thermal efficiency, mechanical stability, and biodegradability. This work highlights the potential of wood modification nanotechnology to reduce the carbon footprint of building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | Sustainable construction requires bio-based insulation materials that achieve low thermal conductivity without compromising mechanical performance. Poplar wood, which is locally abundant in France, serves as an effective carbon sink and represents a promising resource. While recent research has explored bulk wood delignification, the characterization of such modified materials remains insufficient for practical implementation. In this work, we report the development of gradient-delignified poplar wood through partial delignification using alcoholysis and sodium chlorite bleaching. This process produced a hybrid structure with delignified outer layers and a lignified core. Microscopic analyses revealed that lignin removal led to cell wall swelling and the formation of nano-scale pores. Compared to native poplar, the modified material showed lower transverse thermal conductivity (0.057 W·m−1·K−1), higher specific heat capacity (1.4 kJ·K−1·kg−1 at 20 °C), increased hygroscopicity, and reduced longitudinal compressive strength (15.9 MPa). The retention of the lignified core preserved dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity, thereby overcoming the limitations of complete delignification. In contrast to synthetic foams or mineral wools, these findings demonstrate that partial delignification can produce anisotropic wood-based insulation materials that combine thermal efficiency, mechanical stability, and biodegradability. This work highlights the potential of wood modification nanotechnology to reduce the carbon footprint of building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 19961073 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/en18205519 |
