In situ polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 3-(methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTES) in poplar cell wall to enhance its dimensional stability

Poplar wood samples (2×2×2 cm 3 ) were vacuum/pressure impregnated in alcoholic solution with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 3-(methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTES) in a mass ratio of 3/1 in the presence of catalytic amounts of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). Because of their good solubility and permeability, the HEMA/MAPTES precursors evenly penetrate the poplar cell wall. The impregnated samples were heated at 75°C for 8 h, followed by a heating period at 103±2°C for 8 h, in the course of which an in situ polymerization occurred in the cell wall. The modified wood was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the dimensional stability of the modified wood was measured and found to be considerably improved.