Improving physical properties of wood–polymer composites by building stable interface structure between swelled cell walls and hydrophobic polymer

Wood–polymer composites (WPC) are commonly prepared by the impregnation and polymerization of active monomers in wood matrix. Due to the inferior interfacial compatibility between wood matrix and hydrophobic polymer interface, the treatment method could not significantly improve the dimensional stability of wood and make full use of the properties of polymer. In this study, a two-step approach was proposed to overcome this problem. The interface bonding between hydrophobic polymer and wood matrix was significantly improved by the formation of covalent bonds. The anti-swelling efficiency (65%), modulus of rupture (120.1 MPa), modulus of elasticity (10.9 GPa) and compressive strength (103.6 MPa) of the wood–polystyrene composites were superior to the wood treated with styrene alone.