Wood-based panels derived from fast growing tropical lightwood species: panel properties and environmental impact assessment

Wood-based panels enhance the value to fast-growing low-quality timber by incorporating wood materials into structures with significant carbon benefits. This study aimed to develop two types of wood-based panels from three fast-growing wood species: (1) albizia (Paraserianthes falcatria L. Nielsen), (2) jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Roxb.), and (3) paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud), using Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) as a reference. The feasibility of the wood species was assessed through the manufacture of single-layer, randomly oriented strandboards (uOSB), bonded with polymeric 4,4'-diphenyl- methane diisocyanate (pMDI), and particleboards glued with urea-formaldehyde. The technological and thermal properties of the panels were evaluated alongside their environmental impact through a screening life cycle assessment (SLCA). The panels achieved medium density, meeting the criteria for OSB/2 and particleboard type 4 classification. However, they fell short of meeting the load-bearing requirements for dry conditions. Among the tested species, albizia OSB demonstrated the highest mechanical performance, while paulownia and jabon showed greater potential for particleboard production. Additionally, particleboards exhibited higher thermal conductivity than OSB panels. The SCLA revealed that combined production scenarios significantly reduced environmental impact compared to separate production, highlighting the efficiency and sustainability benefits of integrated manufacturing processes.