Study on properties of gelatin–silica mineralized wood composite

Abstract

Wood is a natural organic composite material that has abundant sources, is renewable, and exhibits an organized structure. However, the fast-growing poplar tree is loose in texture and has poor physical, mechanical, and flame retardant properties. Inspired by the biomineralization mediated by the natural organic matrix, a biocompatible and mineral-inducible gelatin solution is impregnated into the wood. Subsequently, the sol-gel method is used for the in-situ mineralization of silica in wood pores and cell cavities using silica to prepare mineralized wood composite materials with excellent mechanical and flame retardancy properties. Fourier transform spectroscopy shows that wood and silica form an organic-inorganic hybrid structure, and scanning electron microscopy shows that gelatin coordinates with silica to form a dense microstructure. Compared with untreated wood, the compressive strength parallel to the grain, bending strength, and elasticity modulus of the mineralized wood were higher by 59.3%, 52.2%, and 46.2%, respectively. The peak heat release rate associated with cone calorimetry decreased by 45.8%. This effective and environment-friendly method can improve the properties of wood. Furthermore, the preparation process is simple, green, and environment-friendly, providing an alternative approach to wood modification research.

Research Progress on the Improvement of Flame Retardancy, Hydrophobicity, and Antibacterial Properties of Wood Surfaces

“…It is expected that sol–gel chemistry will still play a key role in flame retardance in the next years with its great potential being further exploited [ 70 ]. Li et al [ 71 ] applied the sol–gel method to mineralize silica in wood pores and cell cavities and applied silica to prepare mineralized wood composites with flame-retardant properties. The results of CONE analysis showed that the ignition time (TTI) of mineralized wood is 21 s. The peak heat release rate associated with cone calorimetry decreased by 45.8%.…”

A bio‐based multifunctional composite material: Boron nitride and wood fiber to construct thermally conductive cross network

“…[35] Moreover, various physical and chemical treatments are applied to wood by many researchers to extend its applicability in different scenarios. [36,37] The amount of waste wood produced each year is substantial, and it is often not fully utilized. Therefore, there is a need for more advanced and efficient methods of recycling that can extract the maximum value from these waste wood resources.…”

Preparation of Organic-Inorganic Phosphorus-Nitrogen-Based Flame Retardants and Their Application to Plywood

“…The results demonstrated that the surface-modified coating possessed flame-retardant properties. Li et al [ 26 ] impregnated a biocompatible and mineral-inducing gelatin into wood and used the sol-gel technique to mineralize silica in wood pores and cell cavities in situ, resulting in mineralized wood composites with good flame-retardant and mechanical qualities.…”