Dimensional stabilization of wood by microporous silica aerogel using in-situ polymerization

Abstract In this paper, a method for dimensional stabilization of wood through bulk hydrophobization was investigated using sol–gel process resulting in in-situ formation microporous SiO 2 aerogel. Two different species, beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris were investigated. The incorporation silica aerogel inside the cell wall lumen verified by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. A leaching test paper as model material proved bonding to cellulose component wall, which indicates long-lasting effect treatment. modification with significantly improved its hygroscopicity stability, decreased equilibrium moisture content water uptake beside low weight percent gain. Permeability reduced result deposition macro- micropores modified wood. treatment resulted an obvious colour change well.