Abstract

Abstract Wood modification (by thermal or chemical treatment) helps to improve the dimensional stability of wood and enhance its resistance to biological agents. Beech wood is non-durable and exposure in exterior settings dramatically shortens its service life. To determine the full potential of beech wood for advanced applications, a better understanding of the chemical changes induced by modification is needed. Two chemical treatments (acetylation and melamine formaldehyde resin impregnation) and three thermal treatments (heating to 180, 200 and 220 °C) were performed on beech wood. The modification effect was examined based on (i) molecular changes in functional groups by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR); (ii) extractive content; and (iii) pH changes. Moreover, the explanation of these changes was supported by the FTIR-analysis of isolated main wood components (cellulose, holocellulose and lignin) from the modified wood. The high temperatures applied to samples during thermal modification promoted the deacetylation and degradation of hemicelluloses. Hemicelluloses were targeted also by acetic anhydride and melamine resin, the bonding of which was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The formation of fewer methylene bridges affected the properties of the melamine network. This observation suggests the need to determine optimal curing conditions in future research, to reduce melamine-wood hydrophilicity.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.