Physical and Mechanical Properties and Decay Resistance of Poplar Modified with mDMDHEU

Chemical modification as a non-biocidal treatment is an effective method to improve physical and biological properties of wood. Poplar is a fast growing species but has poor dimensional stability and durability in addition to low mechanical properties. Low molecular weight Dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea (mDMDHEU) was used to improve the properties of poplar mainly dimensional stability and decay resistance. Results indicated high anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), but low variation between both concentrations of mDMDHEU. Tangential swelling was greatly reduced by mDMDHEU treatment during the water immersion period. Untreated poplar samples were severely decayed as compared to modified samples. Modified samples showed lower bending strength unlike to compression strength. Ester peak at 1720 cm-1 revealed chemical reaction between chemical reagent and wood cell wall components. Control samples exhibited considerably higher thermal degradation when compared to the samples modified with mDMDHEU.