Effect of the temperature of the heat treatment of pine wood on subsequent in situ polymerization with poly(methyl methacrylate)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate a two-step Pinus elliottii modification process comprising thermal treatment at different temperatures (180, 200, or 220 °C for 2 h) followed by vacuum-pressure treatment and in situ polymerization of highly pure solution of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The treated samples were then characterized based on weight loss, weight gain, density, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, chemical constituents, thermal stability, dimensional stability, surface hydrophobicity, morphology, colour changes and mechanical properties. The thermal modification prior to impregnation increased thermal stability (~100-150%) compared to heat-treated pine wood. Furthermore, after the two-step treatment, the color presented similar patterns, as well as lower level of water uptake (~40-60%). Post-treatment with PMMA recovered the losses in both stiffness and strength brought by thermal modification at 180 °C and 200 °C, however, the treatment at 220 °C was found not suitable for the two-step treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.