Super Lightweight, Scalable, High-Strength, Thermal Insulating Molded Corrugated Wood Boards for Cold Chain Transport Construction

The global cold chain transportation system demands significant energy for low-temperature insulation and costly materials for mechanical support, driving the widespread use of nonrenewable petroleum and mineral-based resources. This study presents a sustainable solution in the form of structured wood, which offers thermal insulation and mechanical strength by microscopically reshaping cell walls and constructing complex three-dimensional shapes. The resulting corrugated wood boards (CWB) exhibit impressive characteristics, including ultralow thermal conductivity (∼0.09 W/m·K) and notable impact energy dissipation (∼80%), essential for cold chain storage and transportation. Additionally, they possess low density, exceptional structural stability, and mechanical strength (approximately 82 MPa per g/cm3 and 1 MPa of specific bending and compressive strength), crucial for packaging containers and storage warehouses within the cold chain system. Through integration with high-fill insulation biobased polyurethane foam, the composite CWB achieves optimized insulation and thermal conductivity (∼0.06 W/m·K). With its low thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, environmental advantages, and scalable manufacturing capabilities, this innovative wood-based material emerges as a promising sustainable option for both the cold chain transportation and construction sectors.