Non-uniform reaction of solid wood in vapor-phase acetylation

Abstract

To clarify the non-uniform reaction of wood during vapor-phase acetylation, spruce wood blocks were exposed to acetic anhydride vapor at 120°C. Weight percent gain (WPG) due to the acetylation was estimated from the equilibrium moisture content at 25°C and 60% relative humidity. The diffusion of reagent vapor was much faster along the longitudinal direction than along the tangential direction. When the end surface was exposed to the reagent vapor for 48 h, 20% WPG, which was known to have sufficient stability and durability, was achieved to a depth of 42.5 mm. However, this depth was only 6.5 mm when the straight-grain surface was exposed. The reaction profiles were successfully approximated using reaction time (t), reaction rate (k′), delay time (t d′), and a parameter n reflecting the diffusion-controlled reaction. The t d′ value increased almost linearly as the depth increased from the surface. The k′ value ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 h−1, regardless of the depth and direction of diffusion. The n value decreased with an increase in the depth and approached 1–2. These values enabled the prediction of the degree of acetylation at any reaction time and positions of wood during vapor-phase acetylation.