Alien invasive species in Europe, such as Prunus serotina, can significantly impact ecosystem structure and function. This species provides low-quality timber, which is most often used for energy purposes in the form of biomass. In the era of policies focused on a circular economy, seeking methods to extend the life cycle of raw materials and wood products is necessary. For this purpose, the wood of Prunus serotina was subjected to thermal modification, and selected properties were examined, such as the wetting angle, absorption of water vapor from humid air, and the wood's resistance to fungal infection. The modified raw material was then used to produce prototype thermal insulation materials, for which thermal characteristics were determined. Based on the conducted research, it was observed that thermal modification of Prunus serotina wood improved its hydrophobic properties, with the best results achieved at 220 °C for 360 minutes. Moisture content decreased to below 16%. Despite fungi infecting all samples, modified wood showed a slower fungal growth rate. Thermal conductivity and specific heat tests highlighted its potential for thermal insulation panels, offering a sustainable solution in a circular economy context.

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