Influence of Polymer Impregnation on Mechanical Properties of Basswood

Samples of kiln-dried basswood lumber at an average moisture content of 7.2 percent were impregnated with polymethyl methacrylate and converted to a wood-polymer composite by the catalyst-heat technique. Matched, unimpregnated specimens were used as controls. The types of mechanical tests to which the specimens were subjected were: 1) static bending, 2) compression parallel to the grain, and 3) toughness. Data from the tests yielded: l) modulus of elasticity, 2) fiber stress at proportional limit, 3) modulus of rupture or maximum crushing strength, 4) work to proportional limit, and 5) work to failure. The MOE of the composite was only slightly improved in comparison to the untreated wood while the stress at the proportional limit, maximum stress, and work to maximum load all increased by about 80 percent and the work to proportional limit increased 154 percent.

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