Decay Resistance Research Articles

Application risk and value of Cd-enriched poplar wood: Wood properties, leaching characteristics and brown rot resistance

This study investigated the application risk and value of Cd-enriched poplar wood, focusing on its wood properties, leaching characteristics, and brown rot resistance. The results indicated that Cd deposition in cell walls significantly inhibited brown rot fungi, thereby enhancing decay resistance. Furthermore, the extent of improvement in brown rot resistance was linked to wood density: the higher the density of Cd-enriched poplar wood, the stronger its resistance to brown rot. As the Cd concentration increased, the Cd distribution abundance and the wood crystallinity gradually increased. Structural changes were observed, including fluctuating microfibril angle and double wall thickness of fibers and vessels. Cd concentrations exceeding 50 mg/kg altered the chemical composition of the cell walls. The binding form of Cd in wood cell wall showed a trend of bound Cd ＞ free Cd ＞ residual Cd. Cd leaching occurred under cyclic soaking in water, which may lead to secondary contamination. However, under the condition of 75 % relative humidity, Cd leaching was negligible, suggesting potential for safer use in controlled environments. These findings provide valuable insights into the management and application of Cd-enriched wood, especially in contexts where decay resistance is critical or in water-exposed environments.

Progressive degradation of acetylated wood by the brown rot fungi Coniophora puteana and Rhodonia placenta

AbstractAcetylation is a wood modification method that reduces the hygroscopicity of wood and increases its resistance to degradation by wood decaying fungi. Even though acetylated wood can have very high decay resistance, the wood material can be degraded and sometimes deacetylated by fungi. This study investigated the degradation and deacetylation of acetylated wood by Coniophora puteana and Rhodonia placenta to better understand the relationship between degradation and deacetylation in two different brown rot fungi. Wood samples were exposed to the fungi in a stacked-sample decay test, followed by acetyl content measurements and FTIR spectroscopy to investigate chemical changes in the samples. The results showed that both fungi could degrade acetylated wood to high mass loss despite a strong reduction in moisture content, but only R. placenta was found to cause preferential deacetylation. The deacetylation was slight and only observed in the early stages of decay in highly acetylated wood. Otherwise, acetyl groups were lost from the samples at the rate of mass loss. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the loss of acetyl groups and revealed some chemical differences between unacetylated and acetylated wood. The spectral data indicated the loss of acetyl groups from lignin, which suggests that the loss of acetyl groups is not only due to the degradation of acetylated carbohydrates. The degradation of acetylated wood required further investigation, but it is clear that extensive deacetylation is not a requirement for brown rot degradation.

The Effect of Particles from Rotten Spruce Logs and Recycled Wooden Composites on Changes in the Bio-Resistance of Three-Layer Particleboards Against the Decaying Fungus Coniophora puteana and Mixture of Moulds

Wood-based particleboards (PBs) are widely used in construction and interior applications, yet their durability, particularly against biological degradation, remains a challenge. Recycling wood and incorporating degraded particles from rotted wood can potentially enhance PB sustainability and align with circular bioeconomy principles. This study investigates the biological resistance of the three-layer, laboratory-prepared PBs with varied amounts of particles, from sound spruce wood to particles, and from spruce logs attacked by brown- or white rot, respectively, to particles from recycled wooden composites of laminated particleboards (LPBs) or blockboards (BBs), i.e., 100:0, 80:20, 50:50, and 0:100. The bio-resistance of PBs was evaluated against the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana, as well as against a mixture of moulds’ “microscopic fungi”, such as Aspergillus versicolor BAM 8, Aspergillus niger BAM 122, Penicillium purpurogenum BAM 24, Stachybotrys chartarum BAM 32, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa BAM 571. PBs containing particles from brown-rotten wood or from recycled wood composites, particularly LPBs, had a partly enhanced decay resistance, but their mass loss was nevertheless more than 30%. On the other hand, the mould resistance of all variants of PBs, evaluated in the 21st day, was very poor, with the highest mould growth activity (MGA = 4). These findings suggested that some types of rotten and recycled wood particles can improve the biological resistance of PBs; however, their effectiveness is influenced by the type of wood degradation and the source of recycled materials. Further, the results highlight the need for improved biocidal, chemical, or thermal modifications of wood particles to enhance the overall biological durability of PBs for specific uses.

Functionalized cellulose nanocrystals for enhanced wood protection: Synthesis, characterization, and performance

This study developed eco-friendly protective materials for wood preservation, focusing on enhancing fungal decay resistance, insect damage prevention, and improving physical and mechanical properties. The research examined the penetration of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and their functionalized compounds into wood tissue, evaluating their impact on poplar wood. Methodology included optimizing CNC production through acid hydrolysis, testing various temperature and time combinations. CNCs were then functionalized with Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-bis(3-aminopropyl) terminated (PDMS-NH), copper hydroxide, zinc oxide, and silver nanoparticles. Characterization techniques such as AFM, TEM, ESEM, XRD, FTIR, and μ-Raman spectroscopy analyzed CNCs and their derivatives. Wood samples were impregnated with CNCs and functionalized CNCs using pressure and vacuum treatments, then tested for weight gain, durability against white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Coniophora puteana) fungi, resistance to insect attack (Trichoferus holosericeus), leaching resistance, and mechanical properties. Key findings included successful optimization of CNC production and functionalization, improved resistance against decay fungi (especially with CNC3/Cu treatment), elevating durability classification from "non-durable" to "low durability". However, treatments showed limited effectiveness against insect infestation. Leaching resistance varied among treatments, with CNC3/PDMS-NH performing best. Mechanical properties, particularly modulus of elasticity, improved significantly with CNC3 impregnation, especially in less degraded wood samples. The study contributes to eco-friendly wood protection systems development, demonstrating functionalized CNCs' potential to enhance wood durability and mechanical properties. Further research is needed to improve insect resistance and optimize the leaching performance of CNC-based treatments, paving the way for more sustainable wood preservation methods.

Evaluation of the utilization of Ginkgo biloba leaf (GBL) extract as an eco-friendly wood preservative

Ginkgo biloba leaf (GBL) extract was evaluated as a wood preservative, considering its sustainable availability in forests and cities worldwide. Previous research has demonstrated the antibacterial and antifungal properties of GBL extracts. Based on this information, it was hypothesized that GBL extract could effectively combat wood decay. The wood preservation properties of GBL extracts were evaluated using the “Laboratory test method of natural decay resistance of wood” KS F 2213 (2018). Its performance was compared to that of ACQ-2, a commercial wood preservative. The GBL extract was tested against two common wood decay fungi, namely Fomitopsis palustris and Trametes versicolor. The results showed mass loss rates of 13.6% and 9.9% after culturing these fungi, respectively. Although the GBL extract did not surpass the performance of ACQ-2, it achieved a “resistant” grade according to KS F 2213 (2018). This indicates that GBL extract exhibits a significant wood preservation effect. Furthermore, the GBL extract retains the natural color of wood, which is an advantageous characteristic.

White and brown rot fungal decay resistance of epoxy composite modified with nanocellulose and tetraethoxysilane

The resistance of epoxy composite modified with nanocellulose and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to decay by white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Coniophora puteana) fungi was investigated using EN 113 (1996) as the guideline. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of TEOS as a cross-linked agent in epoxy/nanocellulose composite, and its resistance against white rot and brown rot fungi. The epoxy resin was mixed with 10 wt% nanocellulose. The other three sets were prepared the same, but with the addition of 1%, 2%, and 3% TEOS for each set. All types of epoxy composites were air dried in a mold at ambient temperature for seven days followed by oven drying at 80 °C for 30 min. The composites were oven dried at 103 °C, sterilized, and exposed to the fungi at 22 °C for 16 weeks. It was found that the use of 1% to 3% TEOS in the composite reduced the percent weight loss following decay by T. versicolor, but not in the case of C. puteana. Overall, all types of the composite in this study were classified as highly durable and durable against the T. versicolor and C. puteana respectively. The surface and structure of all types of composites were still intact after 16 weeks of exposure period.

Physico-mechanical properties and decay fungi resistance of Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa spinosa thermally modified in spent engine oil medium

This study examined the effects of thermal modification (TM) using spent engine oil as the heat transfer medium on the physico-mechanical properties and decay resistance of Bambusa spinosa Roxb. and Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.f.) Backer. The TM process was conducted at three temperatures (140, 160 and 180 °C) and three durations (30, 60 and 90 minutes), coded as T1 to T9. The tests followed ASTM D 143–94 and ASTM D 2017–05 standards. The results revealed that thermally modified bamboo samples exhibited noticeable aesthetic colour changes, with a gradual darkening towards brown, and significantly improved dimensional stability, demonstrated by reductions in water absorption (27–75 %), thickness swelling (25–89 %), and equilibrium moisture content (31–64 %) compared with control samples. However, a decrease in flexural strength was observed at the highest temperature and longest duration (T9: 180 °C for 90 min), with reductions of 54–56 %. Despite this decrease in mechanical strength, the decay resistance of the T9-treated samples was comparable to chemically preserved bamboo, classifying them as highly resistant to decay fungi. Overall, the study demonstrated that spent engine oil is an effective medium for the thermal modification of bamboo when conducted in a controlled temperature setting.

Among-family variations of wood-color parameters, decay resistance, total phenol, and total flavanol content in the heartwood of the third-generation Acacia mangium in Indonesia

Abstract To evaluate the inheritance of natural durability of Acacia mangium Willd., wood-color parameters (Y [lightness], x [red to green], and y [yellow to blue]), mass loss by a white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) and brown-rot fungus (Fomitopsis palustris), and three different extracts (methanol extract, total phenol, and total flavanol content) were measured using the inner and outer heartwood of 10-year-old trees from 20 half-sib families in the third-generation A. mangium in Indonesia. The broad-sense heritability (H 2) values were moderate to high for the wood-color parameters and mass loss by white- and brown-rot fungi (H 2 = 0.210–0.851) and low to moderate for three different extracts (H 2 = 0.000–0.576). Significant negative phenotypic correlations were found between the three different extracts and mass loss by T. versicolor and F. palustris. In addition, negative correlations were found between the wood-color parameters and three different extracts. Similar results were found between the total phenol content and y and between the total flavanol content and Y in genetic correlations. Therefore, A. mangium families with lower Y and y in heartwood could produce progenies with higher total phenol and total flavanol content, leading to higher natural decay resistance.

Multidimensional Exploration of Wood Extractives: A Review of Compositional Analysis, Decay Resistance, Light Stability, and Staining Applications

Extractives, which naturally evolve as fundamental defense mechanisms in wood against environmental stresses, hold an essential place in the field of wood conservation science. Despite their low content in woody substrates, extractives are chemically complex and can be extracted accurately by solvents with different polarities, covering key components such as aliphatic, terpenoid, and phenolic compounds. The application of solvent extraction allows for the effective recovery of these extracts from forestry waste, thereby creating new opportunities for their reuse in wood modification and enhancing the economic value and potential applications of forestry waste. In the wood industry, extractives not only act as efficient preservatives and photo-stabilizers, significantly improving the decay resistance and photodegradation resistance of wood, but also serve as ideal dyes for fast-growing wood due to their abundant natural colors, which lend the product a distinct aesthetic appeal. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the origin and distribution characteristics of wood extractives and to examine the impact of solvent selection on extraction efficiency. At the same time, the mechanism of extractives in enhancing wood decay resistance and slowing down photodegradation is deeply analyzed. In addition, specific examples are presented to illustrate their wide utilization in the wood industry. This is intended to provide references for research and practice in related fields.

Smart sensing property of Eu3+-induced polyelectrolyte nanoaggregates on nitrofuran antibiotics in aqueous environments

Pollution of water with antibiotics is a very serious global issue. So, simple, fast, and ecofriendly detection of such pollutants in aqueous environments has aroused great attention. Several intriguing properties such as narrow emission band, large stokes shift, long luminescence decay time and resistance to photobleaching distinguishes europium-based materials from commonly used fluorophores in biology as a superior optical smart material for applications in diverse fields. Herein, strongly luminescent Eu3+-induced polyelectrolyte nanoaggregates (EINAP) were synthesized and successfully characterized. The biocompatible polysaccharides hyaluronic acid and chitosan are used to disperse organic europium complexes resulting in formation of hybrid nanoaggregates. As synthesized EINAP demonstrated excellent quantum yield (89.29 %) and luminescence lifetime (656 µs). The EINAP also have high sensitivity and low limit of detection with good analytical precision for nitrofuran antibiotics in aqueous environments. The luminescent nano sensor developed in this work could be a novel tool for assessment of antibiotic pollution in the environment. The overall sensing mechanisms for detection of nitrofurans in aqueous environments were found to be the combination of inner filter effect and photoinduced electron transfer respectively.

Decay Resistance of Citric Acid Cross-Linked Paper

Decay Resistance of Citric Acid Cross-Linked Paper

Evaluation of filler activation for sustainable FRP composite by studying properties, mechanism, and stability

The aim is to develop new fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) water pipe by activating fiber glass (FG) by vinyltriethoxysilane (VS) getting vinylsilane-activated FG (AFG) for filling vinylester (VE) via continuous winding to make a novel VE-AFG composite. The novelty of this work is the activation of fiber glass by vinylsilane as a single filler in vinylester and compounding them via a two-dimensional continuous winding process for the first time. The crosslinking occurred in the AFG/VE/curing agent system after activation. The activated composites increased thermal stability; 25% VE-AGF increased the degradation temperatures at 10%, 25%, and 50% weight loss by 73.3%, 10%, and 7.2%. With the activated 20% composite, values of axial strength, hoop strength, and hardness were developed by 6.3%, 2%, and 8.7%, respectively. The decay resistance to different microorganisms was increased with VE-AFG composites as a result of a sharp decrease in biodegradability percentages. The activated composites are stable toward water absorption; the least percentage was recorded by 25% VE-AFG, which minimized the water absorptivity by more than 62%. The reported characterization sentence approves enhancement of thermal, physical, and mechanical stability of sustainable vinylester-fiber glass composites manufactured by continuous winding; this is recommended for application in water pipe systems.

Correlation between tooth decay and insulin resistance in normal weight males prompts a role for myo-inositol as a regenerative factor in dentistry and oral surgery: a feasibility study.

In an era of precision and stratified medicine, homogeneity in population-based cohorts, stringent causative entry, and pattern analysis of datasets are key elements to investigate medical treatments. Adhering to these principles, we collected in vivo and in vitro data pointing to an insulin-sensitizing/insulin-mimetic effect of myo-inositol (MYO) relevant to cell regeneration in dentistry and oral surgery. Confirmation of this possibility was obtained by in silico analysis of the relation between in vivo and in vitro results (the so-called bed-to-benchside reverse translational approach). Fourteen subjects over the 266 screened were young adult, normal weight, euglycemic, sedentary males having normal appetite, free diet, with a regular three-times-a-day eating schedule, standard dental hygiene, and negligible malocclusion/enamel defects. Occlusal caries were detected by fluorescence videoscanning, whereas body composition and energy balance were estimated with plicometry, predictive equations, and handgrip. Statistically significant correlations (Pearson r coefficient) were found between the number of occlusal caries and anthropometric indexes predicting insulin resistance (IR) in relation to the abdominal/visceral fat mass, fat-free mass, muscular strength, and energy expenditure adjusted to the fat and muscle stores. This indicated a role for IR in affecting dentin reparative processes. Consistently, in vitro administration of MYO to HUVEC and Swiss NIH3T3 cells in concentrations corresponding to those administered in vivo to reduce IR resulted in statistically significant cell replication (ANOVA/Turkey tests), suggesting that MYO has the potential to counteract inhibitory effects of IR on dental vascular and stromal cells turnover. Finally, in in silico experiments, quantitative evaluation (WOE and information value) of a bioinformatic Clinical Outcome Pathway confirmed that in vitro trophic effects of MYO could be transferred in vivo with high predictability, providing robust credence of its efficacy for oral health. Our reverse bed-to-benchside data indicate that MYO might antagonize the detrimental effects of IR on tooth decay. This provides feasibility for clinical studies on MYO as a regenerative factor in dentistry and oral surgery, including dysmetabolic/aging conditions, bone reconstruction in oral destructive/necrotic disorders, dental implants, and for empowering the efficacy of a number of tissue engineering methodologies in dentistry and oral surgery.

Evaluation of the Potentials of Tobacco Waste Extract as Wood Preservatives against Wood Decay Fungi

Utilizing conventional wood preservatives poses potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, the wood protection industry must develop alternatives that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. In this paper, industrial tobacco waste extracts were used as eco-friendly wood preservatives against wood decay fungi. Three major constituents in the extracts were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and included nicotine, neophytadiene, and 2,7,11-cembratriene-4,6-diol. The antifungal activities of waste tobacco extracts and these three major constituents against wood decay fungi were tested. At a concentration of 40 mg/mL, the tobacco waste extract treated with 50% ethanol significantly inhibited the activity of wood decay fungi. This was because the extract contained nicotine as the primary active component and neophytadiene as a synergistic active component. Wood decay resistance tests were conducted on Pinus yunnanensis and Hevea brasiliensis treated with a 50% ethanol extract of tobacco waste at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. The mass losses of Pinus yunnanensis exposed to G. trabeum and T. versicolor were 4.11% and 5.03%, respectively, while the mass losses in Hevea brasiliensis exposed to G. trabeum and T. versicolor were 7.85% and 9.85%, respectively, which were classified as highly resistant. The acute ecotoxicity of the tobacco waste extract was assessed using a kinetic luminescent bacteria test with Aliivibrio fischeri, which revealed significantly lower acute toxicity than a commercial copper-based wood preservative. This study offers insights into high-value utilization of tobacco waste and advancement of natural wood preservatives.

Evaluation of the Fungitoxic Effect of Extracts from the Bark of Quercus laeta Liebm, the Cob of Zea mays and the Leaves of Agave tequilana Weber Blue Variety against Trametes versicolor L. Ex Fr

Wood products used in outdoor applications can be degraded by xylophage organisms. For this reason, such products require treatments based on biocides in order to delay their service life. This brings troubles of its own due to the inherent toxicity of these treatments towards humans and the environment. Therefore, it is imperative to find less-toxic natural preservatives. In this context, this work deals with the evaluation of the fungitoxic effect of raw extracts obtained from three types of agroindustrial waste materials: bark of Quercus laeta spp., the cob of Zea mays, and the leaves of Agave tequilana Weber Blue variety. Extracts were incorporated into the test wood Alnus acuminata (Aile wood) via a full-cell process. Bark extracts provided excellent protection against the attack of Trametes versicolor (L. ex. Fr.) Pilát, improving the decay resistance of Aile wood from being nonresistant to resistant. Also, bark extracts from Q. laeta showed less leaching than the other extracts.

Antifungal activity of heat-treated wood extract against wood decay fungi

Using heat treatment for wood protection has been driven to maturity, but the role of heat-treated wood extracts in decay resistance has lacked attention. To assess the potential of heat-treated wood extract for wood preservation, the antifungal activity of the extract against wood decay fungi and the effects of the extract on fungal wood degrading enzyme activity and cell membrane integrity were tested. Small shavings generated during the processing of larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen) were heat-treated and extracted. The antifungal activity of extract against wood decay fungi and decay resistance of extract impregnated wood were tested to assess their potential. The effect of extracts on the enzyme activity of the white-rot fungus, Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd and the brown-rot fungus, Gloeophyllum trabeum (Pers.: Fr.) Murr. for wood degradation was assessed by detecting the activity of cellulose, hemicellulose, and ligninase of fungi incubated with extract. The effect of extracts on the integrity of cell membranes of fungi was assessed by staining with propidium iodide (PI) and the leakage detection of nucleic acid and protein in fungi after exposure to extract. The toxicity to freshwater luminescent bacteria (Vibrio qinghaiensis sp. -Q67) and mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) of the extract impregnated wood leachate was tested and compared with the leachate of the raw wood. The results denoted that the decay resistance of poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.) wood could be improved by heat-treated larch wood extract, and the effect of the extract impregnated wood leachate on Q67 and RAW264.7 was the same as that of raw wood leachate. The extract inhibited ligninase activity (only for T. versicolor), cellulase activity, and respiratory metabolism of tested fungi, and impaired the membrane integrity. The study identified a potential wood preservative.

Decay and Termite Resistance of Wood Modified by High-Temperature Vapour-Phase Acetylation (HTVPA), a Simultaneous Acetylation and Heat Treatment Modification Process.

High-temperature vapour-phase acetylation (HTVPA) is a simultaneous acetylation and heat treatment process for wood modification. This study was the first investigation into the impact of HTVPA treatment on the resistance of wood to biological degradation. In the termite resistance test, untreated wood exhibited a mass loss (MLt) of 20.3%, while HTVPA-modified wood showed a reduced MLt of 6.6-3.2%, which decreased with an increase in weight percent gain (WPG), and the termite mortality reached 95-100%. Furthermore, after a 12-week decay resistance test against brown-rot fungi (Laetiporus sulfureus and Fomitopsis pinicola), untreated wood exhibited mass loss (MLd) values of 39.6% and 54.5%, respectively, while HTVPA-modified wood exhibited MLd values of 0.2-0.9% and -0.2-0.3%, respectively, with no significant influence from WPG. Similar results were observed in decay resistance tests against white-rot fungi (Lenzites betulina and Trametes versicolor). The results of this study demonstrated that HTVPA treatment not only effectively enhanced the decay resistance of wood but also offered superior enhancement relative to separate heat treatment or acetylation processes. In addition, all the HTVPA-modified wood specimens prepared in this study met the requirements of the CNS 6717 wood preservative standard, with an MLd of less than 3% for decay-resistant materials.

Treatment of Bamboo for Sustainable Construction Practise: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract Bamboo is a versatile and sustainable natural resource that has been used for centuries by numerous cultures. Untreated bamboo, on the other hand, has limitations in terms of durability, strength, and decay resistance, which limit its usage in specific conditions. To overcome these restrictions and realise its full potential, researchers have investigated various bamboo treatment methods. This research presents an overview of bamboo treatment methods, effects on their performance, and emphasises possible uses in a variety of construction practises. The study looks into the usage of synthetic resin and synthetic rubber as bamboo protective coatings. These coatings improve durability, water repellence, dimensional stability, mechanical strength, and fungal growth resistance. They are also simple to use and contribute to environmentally friendly practises. To protect bamboo from fungal deterioration and insect infestation, chemical substances such as boron-based additions, zinc chloride, sodium pentachloro-phenate, and copper-chrome-arsenic (CCA) are employed as preservatives. These chemicals increase the longevity of bamboo while also ensuring its structural integrity. The use of epoxy resins to improve the tensile strength of bamboo composites is also being observed. It increases flexural and compressive strength by improving adhesion between bamboo fibres and the matrix. The use of epoxy glue also retains the natural strength and durability of bamboo. Heat treatment of bamboo entails treating it to high temperatures in order to enhance its qualities such as dimensional stability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insect assault. Heat-treated bamboo is used in building, furniture, flooring, and composite materials. Understanding and implementing these treatment procedures can help to encourage the wider use of bamboo as a sustainable and environmentally friendly construction material. The findings of this study have the potential to drive decision-making, encourage innovation, and have a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. Bamboo may be used as a viable alternative to traditional materials in a variety of sectors by exploiting its unique qualities and improving its durability and strength.

Oil Heat Treatment of Wood-A Comprehensive Analysis of Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Modifications.

Wood, a natural material with versatile industrial applications, faces limitations such as low dimensional stability and decay resistance. To address these issues, there has been significant progress in wood modification research. Oil heat treatment has emerged as an effective method among environmentally friendly wood treatment options. Studies have indicated that treating wood with hot vegetable oils yields superior properties compared to traditional methods involving gaseous atmospheres, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of oils and heat. This comprehensive review investigates the physical, chemical, and mechanical modifications induced by the oil heat treatment of wood, along with its impact on biological durability against biotic agents. The review synthesizes recent research findings, elucidates underlying mechanisms, and discusses the implications for wood material science and engineering.

Transforming oil palm trunk waste into high-performance lightweight materials

Addressing the growing demand for efficient sustainable materials, this study presents the development of a high-performance lightweight material utilizing oil palm trunk—a waste product from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation. The proposed novel process involves polymer impregnation of sawn oil palm trunk under ambient conditions for 24-h soaking intervals, resulting in loadings of polymethyl methacrylate ranging from 0 wt% to 220 wt%. Subsequent polymerization at temperatures (90 and 103°C) commonly employed in the wood drying industry enhances the water resistance of the material, making it comparable to that of commercially available timber. Remarkably, the treated oil palm lumber attained a maximum density of approximately 450 kg/m3, making it a lightweight material. Furthermore, the impregnation process significantly improves the decay resistance of this product under natural weathering conditions. The treated oil palm lumber also displayed an increase of up to five times in the bending and compressive strength. Interestingly, a linear correlation between these enhanced properties and the density of this material was observed. This suggests the possibility of systematically producing the high-performance oil palm lumber through a simple and industry-accessible process.