Synthesis of poly(glycerol methacrylate) and its application to dimensional stabilization of wood

Abstract

The dimensional stabilization of wood is investigated using poly(glycerol methacrylate) (PGMA) prepared from polyglycerol and glycidyl methacrylate instead of the well-known poly(ethylene glycol). PGMA allows waterborne treatment of wood, which after polymerization leads to the formation of a wood polymer composite with improved dimensional stability. Microscopic observations and a picture analysis permit the location of PGMA in the wood cell walls and explains the dimensional stabilization by its bulking effect. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 743–749, 2003