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How to use chemical reactions to make wood more durable? Discover the secrets of wood acetylation!
In today's context of increasing environmental awareness, wood acetylation technology has received widespread attention for its non-toxicity and high durability. This chemical modification process is designed to improve the durability of the wood, making it resistant to fungi, insects and harsh environmental damage. How does acetylation allow wood to occupy the market with superior properties to meet various challenges?
Wood acetylation is an innovative technology that modifies the structural components of wood by reacting acetic anhydride with wood to improve durability and anti-corrosion effects.
Development of acetylation technology
The concept of wood acetylation originated in 1930, when the Austrian chemist H. Suida first obtained the relevant patent. Subsequently, researchers at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory conducted more in-depth research in the 1940s. This technology targets materials containing lignocellulose, particularly wood, which performs well in outdoor structures.
Production process
The process of acetylation involves multiple stages. First, a solution of acetic anhydride is injected into the wood. This process can be carried out under vacuum or pressure and usually requires heating to about 120°C. The entire process is relatively complex, and reaction conditions must be carefully controlled to obtain ideal product properties.
Extent of acetylation
The effectiveness of acetylation is evaluated by measuring the acetic acid content. High-strength wood requires at least 20% to 22% acetylation. This indicator affects the physical and mechanical properties of wood, improving its water resistance and corrosion resistance.
Acetylation permanently changes the chemical composition of wood, thereby enhancing its properties for better durability and resistance to biological attack.
Water resistance and stability of wood
During the acetylation process of wood, the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups are converted into hydrophobic acetoxy groups, which significantly reduces the water absorption rate of the wood. The final equilibrium moisture content of acetylated wood is only 10-12%, which is much lower than the 30% of natural wood. In addition, this modification also improves the dimensional stability of the wood, making it resistant to shape changes caused by environmental changes.
Biological resistance and environmental adaptability
Acetylation technology makes wood significantly more resistant to fungi and insects. Since the equilibrium moisture content of acetylated wood is reduced to between 10-20%, this is obviously extremely unfavorable for the growth of fungi. In addition, although the photodegradation process of wood cannot be completely prevented, acetylation technology can effectively slow down this process and protect the wood to maintain its beauty for a long time.
Mainstream industrial manufacturers
The company "Accsys Technologies" from London is a pioneer in the field of acetylated wood and its product brand Accoya has started mass production for the first time. After years of research and experimentation, this technology has matured and attracted more and more companies to enter this market.
Acetylated wood has become the material of choice for outdoor structures, flooring and decking, and is widely used for its superior waterproof and durable properties.
Other modified wood types
In addition to acetylated wood, there are several other types of modified wood on the market, such as thermally modified wood and pressure-treated wood. Each of these materials has its own characteristics and can meet the needs of different consumers.
With the in-depth development of environmental protection and sustainable development, wood acetylation technology has broad application prospects. What new technologies will emerge in the future to further improve this process and make wood more environmentally friendly and durable?
