Change in Crystalline Structure of Cellulose Caused by Wood Preservation

Abstract

Сhemical interaction of cellulose with reactive groups of four-coordinate boron-nitrogen compounds is an intercrystalline process proceeding without destruction of cellulose crystalline structure; probably, the modifier molecules react with easier accessible hydroxyl groups of the amorphous cellulose regions. The formation of B-O-C ether bonds between OH groups of modifiers and more reactive hydroxyl groups of amorphous parts of cellulose results in redistribution of hydrogen bonds and, as a consequence, to rectification of cellulose macromolecules. Thus, when cellulose is treated with compositions based on four-coordinate boron-nitrogen compounds, crystalline structure of cellulose is not disrupted, hence this process can be called a "mild" modification. Such modification does not lead to accelerated aging of cellulose materials, rapid loss of strength and increases durability of wooden structures.