Modification of wood with dimethyloldihydroxyethylenurea

Chemical modification of wood cell wall components has proven to have potentials to improve dimensional stability and durability of wood. Chemicals for wood modification are well known from other applications. One of them is the water-soluble resin 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,5-dihydroxy-2-imidazolidinone, usually known as dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU). It is often used in the textile industry for improvement of resilience effects (wrinkle resistance) and dimensional stability of cellulose fibres. DMDHEU can crosslink the molecules in cellulose thus improving the quality of fabric. For the same reason it may be applied to wood modification. For successful modification of wood, various parameters are important: temperature, time, catalyst and wood species. Wood, treated with DMDHEU exhibits improved dimensional stability and increased resistance to wood pests. Mechanical properties of DMDHEU modified wood should be tested as well. Improved dimensional stability of the DMDHEU modified and surface coated wood could assure its longer durability in exterior conditions.