Epoxy-silica composites replicating wood cell structure

Wood is a composite of cellulose fibers interspersed with lignin and hemicellulose. The structure has a complexity of cells, pores and channels serving the living wood and mechanical framework. The aim was to extract all materials except the cellulose framework, without cellular collapse and form a replica by infiltration with synthetic materials. Cellular microstructure replication of wood was achieved either with retention of cellulose fiber skeleton or with a completely synthetic silica replica. Deposition of silica gels deep into the cell walls facilitated in the replication of wood structures after removing the organic constituents. The cellular structure was strengthened by conversion to epoxy composites. Minimal distortion of the original wood cells occurred in the epoxy composite derived from the replicas. The techniques described demonstrate biomimetic preparations of semi-synthetic and synthetic composites based on wood that retain the morphology of the wood. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.