Wood treatment using in situ polymerization of pine resin and styrene

This study aimed to produce polymer-wood composites via in situ polymerization. For this purpose, the polymer-wood composites were manufactured using vacuum in a horizontal autoclave. Physical, mechanical, and durability characteristics were evaluated. The treatments provided significant increases of over 30% and 60% in flexural strength and modulus, respectively. All treatments resulted in lower water absorption and greater dimensional stability of the wood. Furthermore, the treatments altered the surface of the impregnated wood, showing increased surface hydrophobicity, roughness, weather resistance, and modified coloration. Treated woods also exhibited an improvement of over ∼40% in resistance to termite attack.