Chemical modification of poplar wood featuring compressible rebound 3D structure as water treatment absorbents

Abstract

This study investigated compressive strain and water absorption performances of chemically modified poplar wood (Populus tomentosa Carr). Two chemicals used were acidified sodium chlorite (NaClO2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed that lignin and hemicellulose in modified wood cell walls were removed, resulting in a compressible rebound 3D structure in modified poplar wood verified through high-resolution scanning electron microscopic image analyses. This 3D structure was approved having excellent properties of compressible rebound and highly Water s absorption. In addition, experimental results indicated the chemically treated poplar wood had better plastic deformation with its strain up to 70% if compared to untreated wood of 14%. The modified wood maintained good resilience performance and no deformation in size after fifty compression-releasing cycles along longitudinal direction. The modified wood had its initial water absorption reaching 404%, and was able to maintain a water absorption at 388% after 20 cycles while still keeping 3D structure intact.