Effect of a Thermal Catalyst on Organosilanes Treatment to Improve Durability and Stability of Canadian Wood

Abstract

The demand for exterior wood siding is stagnating in North America due in part to perceptions of low durability and the need for frequent maintenance. One way to address these concerns is to modify the wood to improve its physical properties, while maintaining its appearance. In this study, white spruce was treated with organosilanes and a combination of aluminum treatments followed by a thermal treatment to improve the dimensional stability and the wood durability. Anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), leaching and decay tests were performed on the treated Canadian wood species. The quantity of hydroxyls available after treatment was evaluated by water vapor sorption. The results showed that the treatment improved the dimensional stability up to 50%. Available hydroxyls decreased by as much as 37%. The organosilanes treatment was resistant to leaching, while the aluminum was observed to leach. Organosilanes in combination with aluminum showed brown rot resistance. The addition of aluminum to the organosilanes treatment did not have effect on dimensional stability but it had a great impact on the brown rot resistance.