A new approach for acetylation of wood: Vinyl acetate

Abstract

The chemical modification of wood has been the subject of research for many decades. The most favoured modification reaction involves the acetylation of wood with acetic anhydride. Reacted acetate provides dimensional stability by bulking the cell wall polymers and reduces further swelling when the woods come into contact with water. In addition that chemical modification also provides biological resistance. With acetylation, it is possible to extend at least twice or three times service life of wood as compared to control one. Acetylation of wood with acetic anhydride is not subjected to only academic studies, but also has become commercial process since 2003. The purpose of this study is to show the new methods for acetylation of wood. Turkish pine (Pinus brutia) sapwood was successfully acetylated by the new transesterification reaction with vinyl acetate. Under identical conditions, Turkish pine sapwood was also modified with acetic anhydride to compare with the new technique. The results of acetylated wood with acetic anhydride and vinyl acetate were compared, and characterized by Infrared (FTIR) and 13C cross polarisation-magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP MAS NMR) analysis. Key words: Acetylation, acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate, Turkish pine, chemical modification. .