Enhanced physico-mechanical properties and decay resistance of nano-silica-fortified furfuryl alcohol resin impregnated poplar wood

Abstract

Wood modification by impregnating different types of nanomaterial-fortified polymeric resins from plant sources has emerged as a promising technique to enhance its various properties and improve performance against biodeteriorating agents. This study explores the enhancement of physico-mechanical properties and durability of Populus deltoides (poplar) wood by incorporating nano-silica (NS) into furfuryl alcohol (FA) during the furfurylation process. Three different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) of NS dispersed in FA were impregnated in poplar wood using vacuum-pressure technique. Different properties such as water absorption (WA), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), surface hardness, decay resistance against fungi and thermal stability of modified wood were evaluated. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping was performed to study the distribution of NS within the wood structures. Chemical interactions amongst different components of modified wood were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results of the present study demonstrate that NS fortified furfurylated wood exhibited reduced WA (96%), improved ASE (72–79%), enhanced decay resistance (4–6% mass loss) and increased surface hardness (4% in the side grain and 40% in the end grain). Also, the improvements were observed in the thermal stability of wood by adding NS with FA. Analysis of data showed that 3% concentration of NS provided optimal results to improve properties of poplar wood. The use of renewable FA derived as by-products from agricultural resources, coupled with usage of low-concentration of nanomaterial, makes this approach environmentally sustainable, offering a green alternative to conventional treatments.