Study on Improving the Fixation Rate of Impregnated Poplar Wood with Maltodextrin and 1,3-Dimethylol-4,5-Dihydroxyethyleneurea

Abstract

The impregnation of poplar wood (Populus adenopoda Maxim) with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea and maltodextrin and the effects of ZnCl2 and curing at 103 °C and 120 °C on the fixation rate and the leaching resistance of modified samples were investigated (103 °C curing, ZnCl2 + 103 °C curing, 120 °C curing, and ZnCl2 + 120 °C curing are denoted as 103, ZC-103, 120, and ZC-120, respectively), with the aim of improving the modification effect. The results showed that ZC-103 had the highest fixation rate, and its weight leaching ratio was higher than that of 120. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that ZnCl2 did not affect the functional groups of the modified chemicals. The flexural strength and modulus and the compressive strength perpendicular to the grain were highest for ZC-103. In summary, ZC-103 exhibited the highest fixation rate, indicating that the hardener ZnCl2 bridged and increased the interfacial properties between the chemicals and cell walls and therefore increased the potential for macromolecule polycondensation between the chemicals and cell wall materials. This research paves the way for improving the fixation rate of impregnated wood and provides new insights into practical applications.