A decade review on hardwood composites and their research developments

Composite materials, such as engineered wood products (EWPs), are favored for their stability, durability, and uniform mechanical properties, making them a potential way to valorize hardwood species. Therefore, this article aims to present a decade review of hardwood composites and their developments. The methodology of this review was divided into three main parts. First, a search for peer-reviewed articles on EWPs published between 2012 and 2023 was conducted using the Web of Science (WOS) database. Second, the data extracted from the WOS database were analyzed using the Virtual Operating System (VOS) viewer and a bibliometric approach. Third, selected peer-reviewed articles were systematically reviewed and included in this study, and their main findings were presented. The reviewed documents showed that hardwood composites are favored for their stability, durability, and uniform mechanical properties, which make them attractive for various engineering applications. Some key findings from the review include the potential of Yellow Birch to enhance wood-plastic composites by improving flexural strength and reducing flammability. Eucalyptus nanofibers have shown promise in enhancing the mechanical performance of composite mixtures. Hybrid poplar has been identified for its suitability in cross-laminated timber (CLT) products as they meet and exceed the shears and bending strength required by ANSI/APA PRG-320. Moreover, I-joists made from hardwood residues exhibit comparable mechanical performance to commercial counterparts. The review underscores the need for continued research and development to foster wider adoption of these valuable materials.