Wood-polymer combinations: The chemical modification of wood by alkoxysilane coupling agents

Abstract

Vinyl polymers in wood-polymer combinations fill cell cavities but do not bond to nor enter cell walls to any noticeable extent. The wood dimensional stability thus remains virtually unchanged. Nonleachable-bulking treatments which react with the cell wall material tend to diminish wood strength properties and do not appear to show promise for providing a link between the cell wall and the polymer. Alkoxysilane coupling agents are widely used to modify the interface between dissimilar materials, such as glass fibers and thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. The coupling agent γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane was used in this study with trembling aspen, white birch and eastern white pine woods. Antishrink efficiencies comparable to those reported for reactive chemical wood modifiers were obtained. This treatment did not require acidic or basic reaction conditions which could cause wood strength reductions. Its effects upon wood strength and the extent of bonding to the cell wall are presently under investigation.