Open Access

ARTICLE

Investigating the Viscoelastic Properties and Mechanical Performance of Wood Modifi ed by Biopolyester Treatments

Marion Noël^1,*, Warren Grigsby², Thomas Volkmer¹

1 Department of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering – Bern University of Applied Sciences, Solothurnstrasse 102, Postfach 6096, CH-2500 Biel 6, Switzerland
2 Scion, 49 Sala Street, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

* Corresponding Author:

Journal of Renewable Materials 2014, 2(4), 291-305. https://doi.org/10.7569/JRM.2014.634118

Received 28 August 2014; Accepted 13 October 2014;

Abstract

Oligomer systems based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) were impregnated in wood and polymerized in situ to improve the dimensional stability of the treated wood. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was used to characterize the impact on the treated wood properties. Cell wall bulking treatments (PLA and PGA oligomers: OLA and OGA) induced softening and plasticization of wood components. Lumen fi lling treatments (PBS and PBA oligomers: OBS and OBA) led to minor decreases in treated wood stiffness with any softening dependent on the polymer melt temperature. Overall, no oligomer treatment induced any signifi cant wood reinforcement, but the Tg of wood components could be reduced signifi cantly.

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Keywords

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