Title
Maleic anhydride treatment of softwood - effect on wood structure and properties MALEIC ANHYDRIDE TREATMENT OF SOFTWOOD – EFFECT ON WOOD STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES
Authors
CARMEN-ALICE TEACA RUXANDA BODIRLAU and IULIANA SPIRIDON

Published Volume 48 Issue 9-10 November-December
Keywords softwood, maleic anhydride, FTIR spectroscopy, TG-DTG analysis

Abstract
The chemical modification of wood can be directed to improve the dimensional stability properties, hardness properties and/or durability properties of wood against weathering. The chemical modification of Abies alba L. softwood samples (80 mm x 10 mm x 2 mm, length x width x thickness) was achieved using 60, 80 and 120% (w/v) organic anhydride – namely maleic (coded as MA) – in the presence of xylene as solvent (reaction time 1 h and 90 °C). Evidence of chemical treatment was also confirmed by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. MA exhibited lower reactivity towards wood than SA, presumably due to chemical structure. Thermal properties of wood samples were studied through simultaneous thermal analysis (TG-DTG). Wood treatment with anhydrides influenced its thermal stability, which decreased by comparison with non-treated wood. Water sorption properties of softwood were also evaluated.