Gradient-Delignified Wood as a Sustainable Anisotropic Insulation Material

Yi Hien Chin (), Salah-Eddine Ouldboukhitine, Christophe Vial, Joseph Gril, Rostand Moutou Pitti, Nicolas Labonne and Pascal Biwole ()
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Yi Hien Chin: Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Salah-Eddine Ouldboukhitine: Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Christophe Vial: Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Joseph Gril: Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Rostand Moutou Pitti: Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Nicolas Labonne: Dagard Company, 23600 Boussac, France
Pascal Biwole: Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-28

Abstract: Sustainable construction requires bio-based insulation materials that achieve low thermal conductivity without compromising mechanical performance. Poplar wood, which is locally abundant in France, serves as an effective carbon sink and represents a promising resource. While recent research has explored bulk wood delignification, the characterization of such modified materials remains insufficient for practical implementation. In this work, we report the development of gradient-delignified poplar wood through partial delignification using alcoholysis and sodium chlorite bleaching. This process produced a hybrid structure with delignified outer layers and a lignified core. Microscopic analyses revealed that lignin removal led to cell wall swelling and the formation of nano-scale pores. Compared to native poplar, the modified material showed lower transverse thermal conductivity (0.057 W·m −1 ·K −1 ), higher specific heat capacity (1.4 kJ·K −1 ·kg −1 at 20 °C), increased hygroscopicity, and reduced longitudinal compressive strength (15.9 MPa). The retention of the lignified core preserved dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity, thereby overcoming the limitations of complete delignification. In contrast to synthetic foams or mineral wools, these findings demonstrate that partial delignification can produce anisotropic wood-based insulation materials that combine thermal efficiency, mechanical stability, and biodegradability. This work highlights the potential of wood modification nanotechnology to reduce the carbon footprint of building materials.

Keywords: bio-based material; characterization; delignification; poplar; thermal insulation; wood nanotechnology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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