Chemical Modification of Wood

Three different processes are delineated, enabling the transformation of plantation wood like rubber into superior quality equalling hardwood. These processes are based on: (i) Ligneous Reactive Diluent derived from coconut shell, (ii) Resin composition based on cardanol, phenol, linseed oil and formalin, and (iii) Catalysed linseed oil. The properties of the modified wood and some other inferior grade timbers are given. The development of novel fibreboard, namely Weather-proof hardboard with remarkable strength and durability is also presented. Since the raw materials are derived from regenerative resources, the development constitutes an attractive solution to the raw materials crisis in the wood processing industry.