Abstract
Bombax ceiba, commonly known as silk-cotton, can be used as an inexpensive substitute for existing conventional hard- and softwoods as it is abundantly available and can be harvested from fast-growing plant species. However, its softness and high biodegradable nature restrict its use in such constructions where strength and durability are important. This study presents a treatment process with plant based chemicals to enhance the strength, hydrophobicity, and biodegradation resistance of the silk-cotton wood for its extensive use in long lasting engineering constructions. Soft lumbers of silk-cotton wood were modified with phenolic resin and neem oil. Chemical changes of the modified wood were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and 13C solid state NMR spectroscopy. Experimental results reveal that the hydroxyl groups of the wood surface were transesterified with the fatty acyl chains of the neem oil. Flexural strength and water repellence of chemically treated wood samples were found to enh...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
