The aim of the study was to determine the optimal concentration of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) in ethanol solution for the effective wood dimensional stabilization. The object of the study was waterlogged elm piles, dating back to the 10th-11th century, excavated from Lednica archaeological site. Wood structure was severely affected by biotic and abiotic destructive factors. Samples were first dehydrated through their long-term immersion in ethanol. Next they were subjected to the oscillating vacuum-pressure treatment with MTMOS ethanol solution at the following concentrations: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100%. After the impregnation was completed, samples dimensions were measured and anti-shrink efficiency (ASE) was calculated for each sample. The highest ASE was obtained for a 50% MTMOS in ethanol solution. Moreover, it was stated that 20% of MTMOS in ethanol solution was the optimal concentration for the effective wood dimensional stabilization.
Keywords: methyltrimethoxysilane, impregnation, anti-shrink efficiency, waterlogged archaeological wood, dimensional stabilisation
Authors
Siuda J.
Faculty of Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Wood Technology
Mazela B.
Faculty of Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Wood Technology
Perdoch W.
Faculty of Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Wood Technology
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