Polymer Modified Wood

Wood filled with polymer is called ‘polymer modified wood (PMW).’ The polymer can fill cell cavities, cell walls, or both. PMWs are made by impregnating wood with a liquid monomer or prepolymer using a vacuum-pressure process and then polymerizing the monomer inside the wood using heat and a catalyst. Monomers used include vinyl types (especially methyl methacrylate) and furfuryl alcohol. The main prepolymer used is low molecular weight phenol–formaldehyde resin. High polymer loadings inside the wood produce hard, moisture- and biodeterioration-resistant material. Low polymer loadings provide biodeterioration resistance without toxicity.