Chemical modification of wood by non-formaldehyde cross-linking reagents

Summary

The probability of bond between wood components and glyoxal was examined by means of a mechanical method, infrared (IR) spectrometry, and solid state ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. The successive fixation of a compressed wood by the glyoxal treatment suggested the formation of cross-linkings between wood components and/or wood structures. The IR spectra showed that ester bond as well as ether bond was formed between wood components and glyoxal. The existence of linkages between glyoxal and cellulose was indicated also from the NMR spectra. The addition of glycol to the glyoxal solution was investigated from the viewpoint of stabilizing effect of the linkages. When 0.2 mole ratio of glycol was added to 5–10% glyoxal solution, weight gain and antiswelling efficiency (ASE) were largest, however the addition of excessive amount of glycol did not advance further the weight gain and ASE. When an appropriate amount of glycol was added to the impregnation solution, both weight and ASE did not largely reduce even by the repeated hot water soaking. By the treatment without glycol, the dimensional stability after water soaking was attributed to only restraint of the swelling. On the other hand, when the glycol was added, the dimensional stability was developed not only by the restraint of the swelling but also by the buckling effect.