Radiata pine wood treatment with a dispersion of aqueous styrene/acrylic acid copolymer

Abstract Wood of radiata pine ( Pinus radiata Don) was treated with an aqueous styrene/acrylic acid (St/AA) copolymer dispersion leading to weight percent gains (WPGs) of 10–42%. The reactivity of St/AA in wood and the modifying effects on wood properties were investigated. The St/AA precipitated in the cell lumens and condensed under catalysis at elevated temperatures was shown via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Treatment did not cause positive bulking efficiency and anti-swelling efficiency, because St/AA cannot diffuse into the cell walls due to its high molecular mass. The modulus of elasticity and rupture (MOE and MOR, respectively), and the surface hardness of the wood were improved by 24.4, 22.2, and 40.6%, respectively. Compression strength increased by 81.6 and 48.2% in radial and longitudinal directions, but the impact strength was hardly influenced by the treatment. In addition, the treated wood was slightly more hydrophobic than untreated controls as shown by reduced moisture content and water uptake. Accordingly, treatment with St/AA leads to mechanical reinforcement of wood and enhances its water resistance, and as a consequence, it has an application potential to improve the wood quality.