Solvent- and Catalyst-Free In Situ Esterification of Citric Acid and Mannitol: Synergistically Enhancing the Dimensional Stability and Mechanical Strength of Poplar Wood
Randomized trial demonstrates improved dimensional stability and mechanical strength in wood using citric acid-mannitol polyesters, suggesting an eco-friendly composite solution.
Key Points
The aim is to enhance the dimensional stability and mechanical strength of wood using a solvent-free esterification process.
Used citric acid and mannitol for in situ synthesis of bio-based polyesters.
Performed vacuum-pressure impregnation of poplar wood prior to curing.
Conducted morphological characterization and FTIR analysis to confirm chemical grafting.
The parallel compressive strength of modified wood reached 41.5 MPa, a 41.7% increase compared to untreated wood.
Polyester filled cell lumens and penetrated cell walls evidenced by morphological analysis.
Covalent ester bonds formed between the polyester and wood's hydroxyl groups confirmed successful synthesis.