Modification of Poplar Wood via Polyethylene Glycol Impregnation Coupled with Compression

Wood permeability and compressibility are affected by cell wall structure chemical composition. These properties can be improved appropriate wood pretreatments. Low-density poplar was converted to a more dense the following steps: First, lignin hemicellulose were removed using mixture of NaOH Na2SO3. Second they impregnated with polyethylene glycol (PEG, mean molecular weight 1200), nano-SiO2, silane coupling agent at atmospheric temperature pressure. Finally, compressed 150 °C. Results showed that tracheid lumens on transverse section almost vanished. Specifically, in cells, especially those compressed, completely filled PEG. In FTIR, asymmetric absorption peaks Si–O–Si 1078–1076 cm−1 clearly observed, which confirms existence bonding between nano-SiO2 wood. The highest melting enthalpy crystallization heat storage capacity modified wood, 20.7 9.8 J/g, respectively. Such phase change capabilities may have potential applications regulating rate room temperature. summary, could utilized as material for construction conserve energy.