Effect of weathering on physical, mechanical and morphological properties of chemically modified wood materials

Physical, mechanical and morphological properties of chemically modified Acacia mangium and Acacia hybrid woods were investigated after weathering. The wood blocks prepared from Acacia mangium and Acacia hybrid, were treated with both propionic anhydride and succinic anhydride. Outdoor (natural) weathering was carried out for 1 year, by exposing the samples to external environmental conditions. Chemical modification enhanced the weathering resistance of Acacia spp. to discoloration, weight loss and mechanical properties. Also, succinic anhydride was better in protecting wood than propionic anhydride modification. Fast growing Acacia mangium and Acacia hybrid may be promising for the use of outdoors following propionic anhydride and succinic anhydride chemical treatments. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.