Sol-Gel wood preservation
2017
The sol–gel-based modification of wood introduces chemical substances into wood in order to improve its characteristics and impart new properties. It stabilizes dimensions of wood (timber) components, increases its strength and resistance to water, and reduces cracking. Many sol–gel-based impregnations aim to protect against wood rot and fire. In most cases, the treatments are performed with alkoxysilanes, polysiloxanes, colloidal silica, or organically modified silica. In addition further substances such as titania, copper, and boron compounds have been applied on different types of wood. The precursor solutions were introduced by immersion, painting, or spray coating of wood followed by a drying and heat treatment process. The structure of the impregnated wood was investigated by SEM, EDX, TEM, FT-IR, NMR, and XRD. Frequently, test procedures according to standards were applied in order to assess the improvement in properties. Investigations demonstrate that silica and titania impregnations change properties first of all with increasing the amount of absorbed inorganic material (WPG), which is determined by the concentration of precursors, amount and size of particles in the sol, and the impregnation method. Sol–gel impregnation can be considered as an environmentally friendly approach of wood preservation. Various improvements in wood properties can be achieved such as reduced water uptake and volume swelling, improved weather stability, resistance against biodegradation, and fire retardancy.
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