An Evaluation of Several Vapor Phase Chemical Treatments for Dimensional Stabilization of Wood

A bench-scale system for the impregnation of wood with volatile compounds was constructed for the purpose of testing the system concept and evaluating various polymeric bulking materials as dimensional stabilizing agents. Provisions were incorporated for recycling the treated material, introduction of two separate materials alternately or simultaneously, timed-cycle treatment, control of wood temperature, and for removal of the treatment cylinder for further off-system processing of the treated wood without violating the treatment atmosphere. Treatment with vinyl chloride was not successful, but treatment with ethylene oxide gave good results. Much better treatment and stabilization were obtained with the oscillating pressure method than with the constant pressure method. Rather high anti-swell efficiency values were obtained with low polymer loading, which suggests that stabilization with ethylene oxide occurred by ethoxylation in conjunction with bulking.

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