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The impregnability of Portuguese maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) subjected to microwave (MW) drying was tested, and the hydrophobicity, anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), and water repellence efficiency (WRE) were evaluated. Small wood heartwood samples of Portuguese maritime pine and two distinct MW treatment settings were employed. The levels of ASE and WRE of the wood elements were evaluated throughout four cycles of drying in an oven and soaking in water. Because of MW applied energy, the wood pine samples were satisfactorily impregnated with the preservative product. Regarding the absolutely dry densities of the samples, very subtle reductions were measured, and they were statistically equivalent to the average density of the non-MW-treated group. Slight improvements were identified in the WRE values of wood samples dried in the microwave. In terms of ASE, both MW-treated groups had a statistically significant increase. The MW treatment decreased the volumetric swelling of the maritime pine wood specimens. Hence, this study raises new insights and previously unexplored paths that can contribute to the expansion and greater application of MW technology in maritime pine and other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wood-based panels such as Oriented Strand Board has grown in civil construction. This follows the contemporary trend towards low environmental impact materials. However, there is a lack of relevant information about their life cycle assessment, appearing as a current and relevant research topic. Experimental panels made with Eucalyptus wood and castor oil-based polyurethane adhesive already demonstrated great physical-mechanical performance. Therefore, this study aimed to continue the evaluation of this innovative product, estimating their potential environmental impacts using life cycle assessment from a cradle-to-gate perspective and comparing the results with traditional panels and literature data. System boundaries, environmental impacts and environmental hotspots were identified using the ReCiPe H method in terms of ten impact categories. Comparing experimental (heat-treated) and traditional panels, the experimental versions performed better in most categories and showed safer behavior in categories related to human health in addition to not using paraffin, termiticide, and other organic chemicals presented in the traditional panels. Though made of different types of adhesives, the adhesive was the main environmental hotspot for both types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]