Chemical Modification of Poplar Wood with Benzophenone Tetracarboxylic Di Methacrylates

Aim of study: The aim of this study was to analyze the use of benzophenone tetracarboxylic di methacrylates material in wood modification process and the changes in poplar wood. Material and methods: Poplar wood (Populus euramericana) was impregnated with the hydroxyethyl (or glycidyl) methacrylate esters of 3,3,4,4-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride. The liquid esters were obtained by reaction of BTDA with hydroxy ethyl (BTD-H) (or glycidyl, BTD-G) methacrylate. The wood-BTD-H (and BTD-G) interaction was confirmed by the characteristic signals in Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The decay resistance and physical behaviour of the modified wood was investigated. Main results: The BDTA-H samples displayed less colour change than the BDTA-G samples. Before decay testing, mini-block samples were leached according to the European Committee for Standardization (EN 84 1997) standard, then control and modified samples were subjected to white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor). Modification with BTD-G yielded a high improvement in decay resistance (68-72%). Highlights: In the esterification of the chemical, it is benefited only from the sun's rays without the need for high temperature and pressure.