Reaction mechanisms of furfuryl alcohol polymer with wood cell wall components

Wood properties of furfurylation can be altered by reaction mechanisms of furfuryl alcohol polymer (PFA) and cell walls. Although chemical reactions between PFA and lignin have been studied, reaction mechanisms between PFA and cell wall components, including lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose are still not comprehensively understood. In order to elucidate chemical reactions regarding PFA with wood cell walls, model compounds of main cell wall components were used to investigate its reactions with PFA by C-13 NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that there was no chemical bonding of PFA with either cellulose or hemicellulose. Condensations of uncrowded ring positions (meta, ortho and para) and side chains (alpha-C, beta-C, beta-OH, and gamma-OH) of lignin with PFA did occur based on C-13 NMR spectra. Reaction enthalpy and activation energy also confirmed the condensation reactions between lignin and PFA. This study could provide design guidelines to control the chemical reactions of PFA in cell walls and lignin and, therefore, improve the properties of furfurylated wood.

Automated summary

The study revealed condensation reactions between lignin and furfuryl alcohol polymer (PFA) based on C-13 NMR spectra and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while cellulose and hemicellulose did not form chemical bonds with PFA. This understanding provides design guidelines to control the chemical reactions of PFA in cell walls and lignin, ultimately improving the properties of furfurylated wood.