Chemical Modification of Wood with Perfluoralkyl Ethanol and 4,4'-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate

Abstract

Summary Grafting of perfluoroalkyl ethanol derivatives on spruce meal (Picea abies) and beech blocks (Fagus sylvatica) was performed using 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). The formation of urethane bonds between MDI, perfluoroalkyl ethanol and wood allowed to increase wood's dimensional stability. Contact angle measurements were also performed. θ values obtained for wood grafted with perfluoroalkyl ethanol derivatives were greater and did not decrease with time compared to those obtained with unmodified wood.