A Method for Dimensional Stabilization of Wood and Veneer

Initial work indicated that a monoester of polyethylene glycol dicarboxylic acid stabilized the dimension of paper when the sheet was thoroughly impregnated with a water solution. Further study revealed a series of chemical compositions, all of which have two or more hydroxyl groups. Such compounds found effective are partial esters of polyhydric alcohols and poly-carboxylic acids as well as the reactant components of the partial esters. Hydroxy carboxylic acids also proved effective. Some of these materials are available under the trade name of Stab-U-cel. It was found that (data not given) an 8-carbon atom chain gives the most efficient stabilizing action. It is theorized that the 8-carbon chain fits the distance of 10.4 A between primary alcoholic groups located on the alternate anhydroglucose rings of the cellulose to effectively produce a permanent increase in the cross section of the molecule. The union between the stabilizer and the cellulose may be hydrogen bonding and/or true chemical bonding. Pine wood veneer (1/4 inch thick) was soaked for 15 days in a 30 percent solution of Stab-U-cel #1. The veneer was dried for 2 hours at 225?F. and then conditioned at 90percent R.H. for 29 days. Pickup of Stab-U-cel was 24 percent on the weight of the wood. When compared to a control, the percent hydroexpansivity removed was 64 percent in the lateral plane perpendicular to the grain of the wood, and 84 percent in the thickness direction.

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