The influence of different impregnation factors on mechanical properties of silica sol-modified Populus tomentosa

Abstract

The low density of many fast-growing plantation species results in poor mechanical and flexural properties that limit their usefulness. Supplemental impregnation may represent one method for improving wood properties to create new applications for these materials. The potential for using varying silica sol impregnation processes to improve hardness and flexural properties was investigated on plantation-grown Populus tomentosa. Silica sol-gel impregnation resulted in significant improvements in hardness, MOR, and MOE. The results suggest that these supplemental processes have the potential to create modified woods with a broader range of potential applications.