Wood modification with trimethoxyphenylsilane via supercritical carbon dioxide for enhanced weathering resistance

This research focuses on increasing wood resistance against UV degradation using trimethoxyphenylsilane as modifying agent and supercritical CO2 as a green solvent and reaction medium. Trimethoxyphenylsilane was successfully grafted on European spruce (Picea abies, H. Karst) and was characterized by SEM-EDX and UV–vis reflectance. SEM-EDX showed the presence of silicium inside the wood cell wall. Increased wood moisture content showed positive effect on weight gain of trimethoxyphenylsilane after treatment. UV resistance of treated wood was evaluated by following the color change during artificial weathering. Modified samples showed improved weathering resistance compared to unmodified wood with a ΔE value around 5 after 260 h. Processing and modifying wood using supercritical CO2 is a promising route to increase wood performances and increase its use as a building material.