The study of the impact of in situ polymerisation with styrene or acrylates
on water absorbability and swelling of thermomechanically densified
poplar wood
The study of the impact of in situ polymerisation with styrene or acrylates on water absorbability and swelling of thermomechanically densified poplar wood. Black poplar samples, which were previously subjected to thermomechanical densification, were tested for an improvement on the field of water resistance. Series of samples were additionally thermally treated in a nitrogen atmosphere, and then series of densified only or densified and thermally treated samples were treated with monomer mixtures, containing styrene or acrylates, and co-monomers reactive toward cell wall of wood, followed by thermally induced radical polymerisation. All samples were tested by prolonged soaking in water, while volume swelling and absorbability were determined. Densified wood proved to be suitable for modification by in situ polymerisation. Thermally treated densified wood was found to be significantly more compatible with polymers used, as a decrease in its swelling was observed as dominant effect, while absorbability changes were less clear.