Fabrication of a Novel Wood-Based Composite by In-situ Polymerization of Functional Monomers

In order to alternative the low-quality poplar wood for value-added applications, the study adopted a novel method by impregnating two functional monomers, Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA) and Vinyl Acetate (VAc), into the porous structure of wood, and further initiating them for in-situ polymerization through a catalyst-thermal treatment. The microstructure of the resultant composite, and the main reaction mechanism between monomers and wood were characterized and analyzed by SEM and FTIR, and its performance such as mechanical properties, decay resistance and dimensional stability were also tested. The results indicate that the two functional monomers copolymerized in wood cell lumens, and grafted onto wood matrix, which evenly filled in wood cell lumens and tightly contacted wood cell walls. The modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression strength, and hardness of P(GMA-co-VAc)/Poplar Wood increased by 91%, 103%, 128% and 311% over those of untreated wood, respectively; and the dimensional stability, decay resistance of P(GMA-co-VAc)/Poplar Wood improved 51.6% and 92.4% than those of untreated wood, respectively.