A Review of Developments in Dimensional Stabilization of Wood Using Radiation Techniques

One of the principal shortcomings of wood in many applications is its change in dimensions with a change in moisture content. The authors review 35 articles dealing with this subject. The topics covered include the effects of various treatments on the dimensional stability of wood. Among the many items discussed briefly are: heat; thermal reactions with various chemical agents; impregnation with inorganic salts, sugars, and carbowaxes; polyethylene glycol; impregnation with various adhesives, and polymerization with gamma irradiation and beta irradiation. The effect of gamma irradiation on cellulose in cotton is discussed and the degradation which occurs in wood and cotton is reviewed. Articles dealing with the grafting of polymers to cellulose and their effect on dimensional stability are reviewed; several patented impregnation methods are also referenced.

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