Chemical modification of wood is a potential way to obtain high quality wood. In this study, the fast-growing poplar was impregnated with modifier using a pulse-dipping machine by in situ polymerization. Fungal decay analysis, mechanical properties and dimension stability of the natural and modified woods were investigated. The wood samples were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) Thermal stability (TG), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDXA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanism of in situ polymerization was presented in graphs. The test results showed that the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of natural wood were improved remarkably. The durability against fungus was examined and weight loss reached 6.16% after modification. XRD test showed that the crystallinity of wood increased after modification. Thermo-gravimetric (TG) analysis resulted that the thermal stability of the modified composites was improved. FTIR analysis suggested that the pre-polymer polymerized with the active groups of wood cell wall. Moreover, CP/MAS 13C NMR analysis revealed that the in situ polymerization between pre-polymer and the hydroxyl in wood structure took place, with the reduction of hydroxyl groups. The XPS analysis indicated that the content of carbon element decreased, while the content of oxygen element increased. Finally, the SEM analysis proved that the good interfacial adhesion of wood modifier between wood fiber and polymer.

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