Influence of Chemical Modification with Polycrease ECR on the Functional Performance of Poplar wood Polymer

Abstract

In this research the effect of chemical modification with Polycrease ECR on the functional performance of poplar wood to use as wood polymer were investigated. Polycrease ECR the modified dimethyloldihydroxy-ethyleneurea (DMDHEU) was used for chemical modification of wood by impregnation method. Specimens prepared according to the ASTM standard and treated in two levels of 30 and 50%. Modification process of specimens were performed at 24 hours in temperature of 120°C. Functional performance including Weight percent gain (WPG), bulking, long term water absorption and volumetric swelling in 8 weeks, bending strength (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression strength parallel to the grain, shear strength and withdrawal resistance of screw parallel to the grain was measured. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Obtained results of modified specimens were compared with untreated control. Results showed that modification with Polycrease ECR had significant effects on physical and mechanical properties in treated specimens. Chemical modification in 30% level, lead to reduce long term water absorption and volumetric swelling. Reduction in mechanical properties were not considerable. Chemical modification with Polycrease ECR in 30 % level compared to 50 % level, showed better physical and mechanical properties. Generally, influence of chemical modification on the physical properties (long term water absorption and volumetric swelling) were dominant.

Keywords

• chemical modification
• wood-polymer
• Polycrease ECR
• functional performance
• POPLAR