Multifunctional wood composites: advancing sustainable solutions for smart and functional applications – a review
Composites Part C: Open Access, cilt.21, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Cilt numarası: 21
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jcomc.2026.100819
- Dergi Adı: Composites Part C: Open Access
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Multifunctional composites, Non-structural performance, Renewable bio-resource, Sustainability, Wood composites
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Wood, as an abundant and renewable natural resource, has long played a vital role in meeting both structural and non-structural needs. In response to rising environmental concerns, the depletion of petrochemical resources, and growing awareness of the negative impacts of synthetic materials, there is increasing interest in harnessing wood's potential as a biodegradable and recyclable material across multiple sectors. However, its limited functionality in diverse applications has hindered broader adoption. This review explores the emerging trends and current advancements in integrated multifunctional wood composites (MFWCs), which aim to provide sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically viable solutions for both structural and non-structural applications. These composites not only support structural performance but also contribute to system lightweighting and enhanced load-carrying efficiency. The review highlights the non-structural functionalities of MFWCs, including energy harvesting, thermal and electrical conductivity, sensing and actuation, thermal stability, fire resistance, flame retardancy, self-healing properties, and structural health monitoring—extending their use far beyond traditional load-bearing roles. Additionally, the article examines recent applications, addresses challenges in achieving multifunctional targets, and proposes strategies to overcome these hurdles. Wood-based multifunctional composites are poised to revolutionize industries by addressing key environmental concerns, and this review outlines their promising future in sustainable material solutions.