Fast-growing pine wood modified by a two-step treatment based on heating and in situ polymerization of polystyrene

This study deals with a two-step treatment, in which a thermorretification at 180 degrees C for 2 his followed by the in situ polymerization of polystyrene into a fast-growing pine wood. The treatment with polystyrene recovered losses in both stiffness and strength attributed to the thermal modification. Compared to the heat-treated wood, the two-step treated pine wood presented higher thermal stability (40%), termites resistance (8%), water uptake (300%), hydrophobicity, along with similar decay resistance, and surface colour and roughness.

Automated summary

The study shows that the two-step treated pine wood has higher thermal stability, termite resistance, water uptake, and surface hydrophobicity, while maintaining similar decay resistance and surface color and roughness compared to heat-treated wood.