Crystalline structure of cellulose in wood after chemical modification using cyclic acid anhydrides (maleic and succinic)

The chemical modification of wood can be directed to improve various properties, e.g., the dimensional stability, hardness and/or durability against weathering. In this study, a Romanian softwood species Abies alba Mill. was treated and chemically modified using two cyclic acid anhydrides, i.e., maleic succinic, its interfacial properties relative unmodified wood. Structural changes, with focus on evolution crystalline part in after modification, water absorption, repellent efficiency, were determined. Maleic anhydride exhibited lower reactivity towards substrate than succinic anhydride, presumably because their different structure (maleic is very sensitive presence water). It found that percentage absorption diminished, primarily treatment. characterized via Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy wide-angle X-ray diffraction methods. from evidenced relation employed approach.