PAPER making! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL ® FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TEC Volume 11, Number 3, 2025
Fiber level catalyst-free oxidative carboxylation enhances physical properties of wood polymer composites EMINE A. TURHAN 1 , TUGAY YARICI 2 , BEKIR DIZMAN 3,4 , NURULLAH BINAY 2 , BASAK BENGU 2 , CAN ERKEY 5 & ERKAN SENSES 1,5 The widespread use of environmentally friendly medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels as a wood composites is driven by their versatility, affordability, and durability. However, reliance on traditional wood preservatives and modifications raises significant environmental, health, and cost concerns due to harmful chemicals. To address this, we present a one-step nitric acid steam oxidative modification on wood fibers to directly introduce carboxylic acid groups on the surface and eliminate the need for catalysts, organic solvents, or complex multistep procedures often used in traditional methods, such as TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Our multiscale characterization techniques revealed significant changes in the morphology, crystallinity, and surface features of the treated wood fibers, which directly translated to enhanced bulk mechanical properties of the wood composites. Remarkably, the internal bond strength (IBS) of the wood panels increased from 0.27MPa in untreated panels to 0.89MPa in panels treated with 5% carboxylated (CA) fibers, suggesting a 3.3-fold enhancement. Additionally, the water uptake of the modified panels was dramatically reduced, with 5% CA-treated panels absorbing only 3.46% compared with 30.38% in unmodified panels, signifying dimensional stability. Furthermore, the curing temperature of the adhesive with CA-treated fibers was lowered by 50°C without reducing composite strength, highlighting significant energy savings. Also, formaldehyde emissions from the 10% CA-modified panels were reduced by 14.82% compared with unmodified panels, aligning with regulatory standards. These findings demonstrate that catalyst-free oxidation enhances adhesive bonding and mechanical performance in wood composites while providing an eco-friendly method for lignocellulosic fiber modification. 2. Department of Research and Development, Kastamonu Integrated Wood Industry, Istanbul, Turkey. 3. Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Materials Science and Nano Engineering, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey. 4. Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center & Composite Technologies Center of Excellence, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey. 5. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey. Polymer Composites . 2025;1–15. DOI: 10.1002/pc.29690 This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License Contact information: 1. Department of Material Science and Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey. The Paper Industry Technical Association (PITA) is an independent organisation which operates for the general benefit of its members – both individual and corporate – dedicated to promoting and improving the technical and scientific knowledge of those working in the UK pulp and paper industry. Formed in 1960, it serves the Industry, both manufacturers and suppliers, by providing a forum for members to meet and network; it organises visits, conferences and training seminars that cover all aspects of papermaking science. It also publishes the prestigious journal Paper Technology International ® and the PITA Annual Review , both sent free to members, and a range of other technical publications which include conference proceedings and the acclaimed Essential Guide to Aqueous Coating .
Article 4 – Wood Panel – OSB Adhesives
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