Work

A scalable solvent-exchange strategy for the drying of colorless Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica )

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The thermal insulation properties of wood can be improved by wood modification nanotechnology, but scaling up drying techniques remains a challenge. This study aims to enhance the industrial feasibility of drying colorless (lignin-free) wood by solvent-exchange strategy. In this work, the delignification of Japanese cedar wood was applied through combined organosolv and sodium chlorite bleaching, and different drying techniques were compared to analyze their effects on porosity and dimensional stability, with water, ethanol, or acetone as solvents. The results show that the dimensional stability of colorless wood is strongly influenced by the liquid’s surface tension in the porous structure. Ethanol-exchanged samples dried at 80 °C showed the best balance between drying efficiency and preservation of wood structure, reducing density to 0.16 g cm3 and increasing specific surface area to 7.2 m2 g−1. The results describe how the drying step is optimized for the potential large-scale production of functionalized wood scaffolds or bio-based thermal insulators. The findings contribute to understanding colorless wood drying mechanisms and guide the selection of appropriate techniques for desired end-use properties, advancing wood modification nanotechnology.

Source: Drying Technology

DOI: 10.1080/07373937.2024.2434890