Maria Cristina Timar, Maria Daniela Mihai, Kevin Maher, Mark Irle
Preparation of Wood with Thermoplastic Properties, Part 1. Classical Synthesis
Summary
Aspen wood (Populus tremula) as sawdust was chemically modified through a two-step procedure: esterification
with maleic anhydride and subsequent oligoesterification with glycidyl methacrylate and maleic
anhydride. Chemical analyses and infra-red spectroscopy revealed the differences in the chemical
composition and structure of wood as a result of this treatment. These changes were also reflected by a
hygroscopicity test and thermal analyses such as thermogravimetry and thermomechanical analysis. The
esterified wood showed an increased hygroscopicity and a decreased thermal stability compared to
unmodified wood. In contrast, the oligoesterified wood demonstrated a reduced hygroscopicity and a
comparable thermal stability up to about 200°C. The thermomechanical analysis of oligoesterified wood
clearly showed a significant softening phenomenon in the range 80–140°C, a direct evidence of the thermoplastic
properties gained by this chemical modification.
Holzforschung, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 0018-3830
Volume: 54, 01/2000
Pages: 71 - 76
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