Treatment of Wood-Polymer Systems Using Catalyst-Heat Techniques

This paper outlines the use of peroxides as a catalyst for the heat polymerization of methylmethacrylate in wood. The system consists of evacuating the void spaces in the wood with a vacuum pump, flooding the evacuated sample with monomer containing the peroxide, and allowing time for the diffusion of the monomer into the wood structure. After complete impregnation, the wood sample is wrapped in a vapor barrier, sealed, and then placed in an air-circulating oven at 68?C. for periods up to 12 hours. After cooling, the wrapper is removed and the wood polymer system is ready for use. The wood is not discolored and can be machined with ordinary woodworking tools. The final finish is applied by buffing the sanded surface to a high luster. No special finish is required because the plastic on the surface of the wood is the finish. Dyes that are soluble in the monomer can also be used to color the wood. Chemical formulas and diagrams are presented.

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