Bioactive wood-polymer composites

JL HE POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL MONOMERS in the void spaces of bulk wood results in wood—polymer composites of increased strength properties and dimensional stability see Chapter 6). Because the different environmental conditions expose in-service timber to attack by numerous wood-deteriorating microorganisms, it is desirable to enhance the biodegradation resistance of wood, with simultaneous improvements in mechanical behavior. This chapter summarizes the formation of bioactive wood-polymer composites (1-4). The basic approach is still in situ polymerization of vinyl monomers in wood, with the appropriate choice of a bioactive, toxic, functional group incorporated in the monomer, and with other modifications based on wood-polymer reactions. 

The impregnation of wood by polymers with TBT functional groups offers a viable route to the preparation of bioactive wood— polymer composites with a number of advantages. Polymer impregnation may be expected to improve the strength properties and dimensional stability of wood in water. The controlled release of the toxic TBT moiety, chemically linked to the polymer located within the wood, can increase the service life of wood while ensuring min-... 

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