Technological properties and uses of wood from Paulownia fortunei and its hybrids: a systematic review
摘要
Paulownia fortunei, the species native to China, stands out as one of the fastest-growing trees in the world. Due to this characteristic and the wide variety of uses of its wood, its plantations, already significant in Asian countries, are expanding to other regions. The quality of the wood, determined by its anatomical, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties, is fundamental to guiding its applications. Furthermore, its performance in processing operations, such as sawing, drying, and machining, is crucial for industrial use. This systematic review aimed to gather and analyze available studies on the properties of P. fortunei wood and its hybrids, its behavior in industrial processes, and its potential applications, with an emphasis on higher value-added solid products. The methodology was structured in three stages: (i) searching the selected databases based on the defined research questions and keywords; (ii) screening articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria; and (iii) systematic analysis of eligible studies and synthesis of their main results. The studies analyzed demonstrate that P. fortunei wood has broad application potential, varying according to the cutting age, and that its low density is a central characteristic, favoring uses that demand lightness. However, a scarcity of research focused on processing stages was observed, especially sawing, machining, gluing, and the production of solid wood panels.