The application of furfurylated wood as construction detail in marine environments is the aim of a Norwegian research project. The impregnation and polymerization of furfuryl alcohol (FA) in wood offers similar material properties as tropical hardwoods for outdoor use. Preliminary tests have indicated that furfurylated wood can also be used in marine environments.
The objective of this research project was to understand and control the polymerisation process within wood fibres, in order to optimize the polymer structure with respect to the material’s resistance against attacks from marine borers. The wood species Radiata pine and maple were used for the modification with FA and showed different reaction patterns during polycondensation of FA. Polymerization processes were analysed by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) included in a Simultaneous Thermal Analyser (STA).
Preliminary results showed that the presence of individual wood components of the two wood species influenced the polycondensation in different ways. Cellulose and extractives were not affecting the polymerization of FA. Holocellulose extracted from both maple and Radiata pine influenced the polymerization, and it seemed that hemicellulose residues catalysed the reaction. This was found for holocellulose from both maple and Radiata pine, though the effect of maple holocellulose on the reaction was slightly stronger.
The research project will in the future investigate the competing reactions that occur during the polymerization process of FA and will manipulate the FA polymerization reactions in the presence of model compounds. The wood components representative of the two wood species involved will further be analysed on their role in the poly-condensation process.
Keywords: furfuryl alcohol, marine borers, softwood, hardwood
Authors
Andreas Treu
Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute, Ås, Norway
Zimmer K.
Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute, Ås, Norway
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