Chemical modification of rubber wood with styrene in combination with a crosslinker: effect on dimensional stability and strength property

Chemical modification of rubber wood (Hevea Brasiliensis) was carried out by impregnating the wood with styrene and in combination with a crosslinker Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA). Polymerization was carried out by catalyst heat treatment. The dimensional stability in terms of % volumetric swelling and anti-shrink efficiency was determined and found to be improved on treatment. Water absorption was also found to be decreased considerably for treated wood samples. Mechanical strength of the treated samples in terms of modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity were also found to be improved. The wood polymer interaction was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Biodegradability of the wood/polymer composites was determined and found to be improved on treatment with styrene/styrene-GMA.