The development of sustainable wood-based composites has driven increasing interest in formaldehyde-free, low-odor, and recyclable bonding systems. However, achieving high mechanical performance and dimensional stability in high-density fiberboards (HDFs) without synthetic adhesives remains a challenge. Here, we report a two-step strategy combining oxidative pretreatment of wood fibers with supramolecular assembly of tannic acid (TA) and sodium ions (Na+) to fabricate low-odor, recyclable HDF. Oxidation generated abundant carboxyl groups on the fiber surface, enabling strong coordination and hydrogen-bonding interactions between TA and Na+, which constructed robust inter-fiber supramolecular networks without formaldehyde-based adhesives. The resulting HDF exhibited excellent mechanical properties, with an internal bond strength of 3.1 MPa, a modulus of rupture of 49 MPa, and 24 h water thickness swelling of only 12%. Odor and VOC analysis revealed only trace benzene, demonstrating markedly low odor. Furthermore, the reversible nature of Na+-TA interactions allowed efficient fiber separation and recyclability under mild aqueous conditions. This oxidation-assisted supramolecular approach provides a sustainable route for producing high-performance, low-odor, and recyclable fiberboards, offering a viable alternative to conventional polymer-bonded wood composites.
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Xia Yu
Zongying Fu
B. Liu
Polymers
Chinese Academy of Forestry
Inner Mongolia Agricultural University
Research Institute of Wood Industry
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Yu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
www.synapsesocial.com/papers/6975b2aefeba4585c2d6e2ca — DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020297