Physical and Mechanical Properties and Decay Resistance of Poplar Modified with mDMDHEU

Chemical modification as a non-biocidal treatment is an effective method to improve physical and biological properties of wood. Poplar fast growing species but has poor dimensional stability durability in addition low mechanical properties. Low molecular weight Dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea (mDMDHEU) was used the poplar mainly decay resistance. Results indicated high anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), variation between both concentrations mDMDHEU. Tangential swelling greatly reduced by mDMDHEU during water immersion period. Untreated samples were severely decayed compared modified samples. Modified showed lower bending strength unlike compression strength. Ester peak at 1720 cm-1 revealed chemical reaction reagent wood cell wall components. Control exhibited considerably higher thermal degradation when with