Expert transforms essential oils into natural preservatives for wood products
By Tosin Clegg
A groundbreaking study has revealed a new, more sustainable way to protect wood products from decay, fire, and moisture. The research, which was published in a leading scientific journal, outlines how a natural preservative made from an essential oil has been successfully integrated into wood composite products without compromising their structural integrity. This innovation could mark a significant shift away from traditional, and often toxic, chemical preservatives.
The work, led by a team that includes the distinguished researcher Hamed Olayiwola, focuses on addressing a long-standing challenge in the wood industry. While wood composite products have gained popularity for their environmental benefits and versatility, they are inherently susceptible to degradation, which can shorten their service life. To combat this, additives are often introduced during the manufacturing process to improve durability and other properties.
However, these traditional preservatives, particularly those based on copper and boron compounds, have a major drawback. They have been shown to hinder the development of a strong bond between the wood and the adhesive, a crucial element for the performance of the final product. Furthermore, there are significant environmental and health concerns associated with the disposal of these treated products.
The new research proposes a revolutionary solution: using an essential oil-based preservative. Essential oils are naturally derived compounds with excellent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and they are recognised as safe by regulatory bodies. The team created a unique inclusion complex by combining beta-cyclodextrin (BCD) with trans-cinnamaldehyde (CN), an essential oil from cinnamon.
This BCD-CN complex was then successfully integrated into southern yellow pine plywood, a common wood composite product. The primary goal of the study was to investigate whether this new natural preservative would negatively affect the bonding strength of the plywood.
The results of the study were overwhelmingly positive. A shear strength test, a standard measure of a material’s bonding performance, was conducted on the treated plywood. The panels treated with the BCD-CN complex demonstrated an average shear strength that ranged from 1.53 N/mm² to 2.07 N/mm², which is well above the minimum requirement of 1.00 N/mm² set by the EN 16351-2015 standard.
Statistical analysis further confirmed the findings. There were no significant differences found between the bonding strength of the plywood made with the natural preservative and that of the untreated wood. This proves that the BCD-CN complex is compatible with the adhesive used, a key differentiator from many conventional preservatives.
The study’s findings are a major step forward for the wood products industry. The ability to use a natural, environmentally benign preservative that does not compromise a product’s structural integrity could lead to the development of more sustainable building materials. This research highlights the vast potential of natural compounds to replace synthetic chemicals in manufacturing processes, contributing to a greener and more eco-friendly future.
The research also builds on previous work that showed the BCD-EO complex was effective at suppressing biological decay in wood, successfully protecting it from brown and white rot fungi. While an earlier study had noted a decrease in internal bond strength with the use of a similar complex, this new research used a different, more direct method to assess the impact on bonding strength, providing a clearer picture of the additive’s influence.
Hamed Olayiwola, along with his colleagues at Mississippi State University, has contributed a vital piece of the puzzle for sustainable wood composite production. The study’s careful methodology, including the use of modern analytical techniques like differential scanning calorimetry, confirmed that the natural additive did not interfere with the adhesive’s curing process.
The implications of this research extend beyond just plywood. The findings suggest that the BCD-CN complex could be effectively implemented in the manufacturing of a wide range of wood composite products, from oriented-strand boards to laminated veneer lumber. This could help to make these materials even more competitive in the construction industry.
As the global push for green building applications continues, research like this becomes increasingly important. The development of alternative additives that are both effective and environmentally friendly is crucial for cementing wood composites’ place as a material of choice. The work provides a clear pathway for the industry to adopt more sustainable practices without sacrificing quality or performance.
In an age where the environmental impact of building materials is under scrutiny, this study provides a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that it is possible to achieve durability and strength using natural, non-toxic resources, reducing reliance on potentially harmful chemicals. This aligns perfectly with the principles of sustainable development and circular economy.
This research, published in a high-impact journal, will undoubtedly stimulate further investigation into other essential oils and natural compounds that can be used to protect and enhance wood products. The success of the BCD-CN complex provides a powerful proof-of-concept for the future of wood preservation. It’s a compelling example of how science can provide elegant and simple solutions to complex industrial challenges, using what nature provides.
The project reinforces the idea that innovation in materials science is key to tackling environmental problems. By transforming a common natural substance into a high-performance industrial additive, the researchers have opened up a new chapter in the story of sustainable construction. This discovery holds promise for a cleaner, healthier future for both the industry and the planet.
