Development and characterization of furfural-based bio-resins from lignocellulosic waste for eco-friendly wood resins

Abstract

Bio-based resins have emerged as promising alternatives to fossil-based resins in the wood products industry, driven by growing environmental concerns and sustainability demands. While traditional formaldehyde-based resins offer strong bonding at low cost, they present significant drawbacks, including hazardous emissions and poor water resistance. This study explores a novel approach to synthesizing bio-resins from diverse lignocellulosic sources: sugarcane bagasse, birch wood, silver cypress wood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) waste, using hydrogen chloride gas for acid hydrolysis. The research focused on developing furfural-based resins through a three-stage process: controlled acid hydrolysis, extraction, and oxidative concentration of the feedstock materials. We employed multiple characterization techniques—spectroscopic analysis, thermal testing, and rheological measurements—to evaluate the resins' chemical composition, thermal stability, and viscoelastic behavior. Among all feedstocks tested, bagasse-derived resin demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest furfural yield (31.6 %) and exhibiting exceptional water resistance and thermal stability. These enhanced properties stemmed from efficient cross-linking and the material's naturally high pentosan content. Birch and MDF-derived resins showed intermediate performance characteristics, while cypress-based resins yielded lower stability and production efficiency, reflecting variations in source material composition. Our findings establish that bio-resins, particularly those derived from agricultural residues like bagasse, represent viable replacements for synthetic resins in industrial applications. This research lays the groundwork for optimizing renewable material utilization in eco-friendly resin production, supporting the wood industry's transition toward more sustainable manufacturing practices.