Novel approaches for improvement of dimensional, photo- and thermal stability of wood through liquefied wood polyols impregnation

IRG/WP 19-40884

A Kumar, A John, T S Mehra

The major problems encountered in both indoor and outdoor utilization of wood are due photo instability and dimensional instability. The modification of Melia dubia wood for ultraviolet resistance and dimensional stability with liquefied wood has been carried out through impregnation method under solvent free conditions. The level of impregnation in modified wood was estimated by weight percent gain and characterized by FTIR-ATR and CP/MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy. UV resistance, moisture adsorption and dimensional stability of liquefied wood polyols impregnated were also evaluated. Photosatability of impregnated wood was evaluated by exposing unmodified and modified wood to UV irradiation in a QUV accelerated weathering tester. Unmodified wood showed rapid color changes and degradation of lignin upon exposure to UV light. The modification of wood with liquefied wood polyols was effective in reducing light induced color changes (photo-yellowing) at wood surfaces. In contrast to Unmodified wood, liquefied wood polyols impregnated wood exhibited bleaching. FTIR analysis of modified wood exposed to UV light indicated stabilization of wood polymers against UV degradation. Liquefied wood polyols modified wood showed good dimensional stability and hydrophobicity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that modification with liquefied wood polyols improved thermal stability of wood. The results indicates that liquefied wood polyols is a promising reagent for improving dimensional stability and UV resistance of modified wood. The liquefaction of wood opens up new avenues for utilization of woody waste for development of biobased reagents for photo stability and dimensional stability. As liquefied wood polyol is environmental friendly and also helps in reducing carbon foot print from the Earth to provides greener and sustainable world for coming generation.


Keywords: impregnation, dimensional stability, ultra-violet resistance, thermally stable liquefied wood, photo stability

Conference: 19-05-12/16 Quebec City, Canada


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