Acetylated wood
Type of modified wood that does not contain toxic substances / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acetylated wood is a type of modified wood that is ecologically friendly and does not contain toxic substances.[1] It produced from a special chemical treatment (acetylation) involving acetic anhydride and a chemical modification process to make wood highly resistant to biological attacks by fungi and wood-boring insects, ensuring a long lifespan and durability in various environmental conditions.[2][3] It is a novel wood product in the field of wood science, following several decades of research and experimentation.
The chemical modification occurs through the reaction of wood polymers especially the free hydroxyl groups present in lignin and hemicelluloses, without the need of a catalyst, forming bonds between them. The substances used, such as anhydrides, modify the structural components of wood without leaving toxic residues. This process prevents approximately 80-90% of hydroxyl (-OH) groups from forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, effectively "locking" the cellular walls with the material. The chemical reagents employed are non-toxic, and the potential of recycling and disposal of acetylated wood can be accomplished without any restrictions.[4]
Acetylated wood is characterized by its very light colour and has been shown to possess high durability and strong hydrophobic properties, as various research studies have indicated.[5][6][7] This wood is suitable for outdoor wooden structures,[8] as well as exterior flooring and decks. It is primarily produced from pine wood (Radiata pine), although beech is also occasionally used with this technology. Acetylated wood has minimal moisture absorption, significantly enhancing dimensional stability and natural resilience.[9]