Effect of insitu polymerization on practical properties of heat treated wood

IRG/WP 16-40763

M Ghorbani, M Mohseni Shaktaei

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of combined modification; heat treatment and impregnation with styrene monomer on physical and mechanical properties of poplar wood (Populus deltoides). Test samples were grouped in six levels of control, wood polymer made from styrene, heat treatment at 170 ºC and 200ºC and combined modification; first hat treated at 170 ºC and 200ºC and then impregnated with styrene. The highest weight percent gain and polymer absorption were obtained at combined modified samples that heat treated at 200 ºC. According to results heat treated wood in higher temperature with lower polarity showed more polymer conversion rate and retention. Heat treatment with water absorption reduction was led to dimensional stability improvement. The presence of the polymer by blocking the pores of the wood, resulted in the more dimensional stability. Combined modification improved mechanical properties, especially the compression strength that was more obvious at the temperature 200ºC.


Keywords: wood polymer, practical properties, poplar, combined modification

Conference: 16-05-15/19 Lisbon, Portugal


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