Abstract
In the study, we report that a safe and simple way for upgrading inferior rubber wood through the combined modification of environment-friendly MUG resin was synthesized from glyoxal, melamine, urea, and other additives. MUG-treated wood samples were prepared with six different MUG resin concentrations (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 wt %) into the wood matrix and then heated and polymerized to form a solid and hydrophobic MUG resin in the wood scaffold, and the physico-mechanical properties were evaluated. As the MUG resin concentration increased, the weight percent gain and density increased, water uptake and leachability decreased, and the antiswelling efficiency increased at first and then decreased. MUG-treated wood sample can be prepared when the MUG resin concentration was set as 25%, and the physical properties of treated wood was optimum. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that the MUG resin is widely distributed in the cell lumens and cell walls. With enhanced physico-mechanical properties, MUG-treated wood sample can be well used as a promising alternative to existing engineered wood products for structural applications.
Highlights
In recent years, the depletion of fossil resources and increasing attention to environment require more sustainable development in the process of finding renewable resources to provide energy for production and life
Due to the hydrophobic MUG resin absorbed into the wood and fills the pores after curing, the water uptake decreased
The MUG-treated wood sample possesses significantly improved dimensional stability compared to the control wood
Summary
The depletion of fossil resources and increasing attention to environment require more sustainable development in the process of finding renewable resources to provide energy for production and life. In this case, considering the renewability and sustainability of lignocellulosic biomass, it has broad application prospects and is expected to become a substitute for fossil resources. Among the available natural materials, wood has become one of the main candidate materials that has attracted more and more interest in academia and industry due to its unique inherent features. The physico-mechanical properties of wood can be improved by using an appropriate chemical impregnation technology which can react with cell wall components
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