Sustainable multifunctional wood via borate-regulated lignin/DMDHEU resin networks: Synergistic improvement of mechanical, flame-retardant, and decay-resistant performances

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-20-2026

Abstract

Upgrading fast-growing wood into high-value ecological materials that integrate fire retardancy, preservative properties, and enhanced mechanical performance is essential for improving the safety of buildings and furniture. Herein, we adopted a boric acid/borax regulation strategy to realize in-situ lignin deposition within the cell lumen of poplar wood (Populus tomentosa Carrière) and construct a 1,3-dihydroxymethyl-4,5-dihydroxyethylideneure (DMDHEU) resin network, thus improving the comprehensive properties of the wood. Compared to the control group, the modified wood exhibited an optimal weight gain of up to 44.7%. The complex resin network led to an increase in bending strength and flexural modulus of treated wood by 33.3% and 59.6%, respectively, and an improvement in its hardness by 36.8%. It is notable that the in-situ deposition of lignin partially restricts the penetration of DMDHEU resin into the cell walls, thereby enabling regulation of the resin permeation process. The modified wood exhibits an expansion resistance efficiency of 56%, which evidently indicates its improved dimensional stability. Furthermore, the synergistic interaction between lignin and borate not only enhances the wood’s fire-retardant and smoke-suppressing properties but also significantly elevates its resistance to white rot fungi to the maximum level. This facile yet highly effective modification method offers a promising solution for addressing the inherent limitations of fast-growing timber.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Construction and Building Materials

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