Thermo-Catalytic Polymerisation in Wood

Abstract

<p> An experimental investigation of polymerisation of several monomers in wood was performed using free radical initiators such as benzoyl peroxide and 2-azo-bis-isobutyronitrile. The most promising comonomer system appeared to be styrene and acrylonitrile. As a result of copolymerisation of styrene and acrylonitrile in the cell cavities of wood, many improvements in physical properties of wood resulted. The improvement in physical properties of wood containing thermo-catalytically copolymerised styrene and acrylonitrile was found to be better than those of radiation initiated graft copolymerised wood. Thermo-catalytically produced wood polymer combinations showed as much improvement in physical properties as shown by those produced by radiation initiation without the use of swelling agents.</p>