Decay resistance of poplar ( Populus deltoides) wood impregnated with melamine formaldehyde resin

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2024.367374.1266

Abstract

The utilization of wood is limited due to its vulnerability to moisture, dimensional changes, and susceptibility to both living organisms and environmental factors. One method of wood enhancement involves impregnating the wood with various aminic resin monomers and subsequently converting them into polymers within the wood structure. This study aims to enhance the physical properties of poplar (Populus deltoides)  wood by employing MF resin for saturation. Additionally, a 5% boric acid solution is utilized during saturation to enhance resistance against fungal decay. The first part of the study involved saturating wood samples with different concentrations (7%, 15%, 27%, and 35%) of MF resin, using the vacuum/pressure technique, and examining the properties of the treated wood. In the second part, samples were treated with resins made at different molar ratios to investigate the impact of free formaldehyde and other additives on decay resistance. Results revealed a substantial increase in weight gain percentage as resin concentration increased during wood saturation. The impregnation of wood with MF resin and subsequent polymer formation within the wood structure, even after leaching procedure in accordance with EN 84 standard, significantly improved the samples' resistance against white rot decay. Treatment with different resin concentrations considerably enhanced pine wood's resistance to decay. Resins with higher formaldehyde ratios and the inclusion of boric acid as an additional protective measure did not significantly impact the decay resistance of the treated samples. The findings of this study underscore the considerable potential of using MF resin to boost wood's resistance against decay.

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