Dimensional stabilisation of fast growing forest species by acetylation

Abstract

The effect of acetic anhydride modification on dimensional stabilisation of three fast growing species namely poplar, willow and eucalyptus was studied. With acetylation, maximum ca. 15% WPG values were obtained for all samples. Dimensional stabilisation was determined by the water-soak/ oven-dry method through a total of six cycles in order to determine the stability of ester bonds to hydrolysis at neutral pH. It was found that wood species has no significant effect on dimensional stabilisation as long as the same weight gain levels were obtained. With the studied wood species, at ca. 15% WPG values, around 60% ASE values were obtained. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.