Effect of colloidal silica nanoparticles produced from rice husk on dimensional stability and water absorption of poplar wood (Populus deltoides)

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the physical properties of poplar wood treated with silica colloidal nanoparticles prepared from rice husk using ash making and alkaline digestion. Test samples were prepared according to ASTM-D1037 standard with the dimension of 2×2×2 cm and then were impregnated ina cylinder according to Bethell method applying five concentration levels of soluble colloidal silica nanoparticles (0, 1.2, 1.7, 2.2 and 3.2%). Nanoparticle retention and absorption, density changes, water absorption, and anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) were determined. Nano silica absorption was determined as 119.8, 169.5, 196.3 and 214.7 % corresponding to 1.2, 1.7, 2.2 and 3.2 % nanoparticle addition, respectively. Nano-silica retention in the lowest and the highest treatment level were 1.2 and 9.3%. Results showed that the density increased from 0.37g/cm³ in control samples to 0.40 g/cm³ at the highest level of nano-silica absorption. Water absorption increased by increasing nano-silica absorption. However, dimensional stability of impregnated samples increased. After the longest immersion time, average swelling volume of the sample impregnated with nano-silica was decreased in comparison with the control sample. With increasing nano-silica absorption, anti-swelling efficiency of impregnated samples treated at the 1.2, 1.7, 2.2 and 3.2 % level and immersed for 168h was 36.5, 42.9, 34.7 and 26.8 %, respectively.

Keywords

• Colloidal silica nanoparticles
• Rice husk
• water absorption
• Dimensional stability
• anti-swelling efficiency
• POPLAR