Solid wood processing with acetic acid when creating elements of automotive interior

Abstract

Since the appearance of the first automobiles, the wood due to its advantages, such as ease of processing and noble appearance, has firmly entered the automotive world as a material for body engineering and interior finish. However, fairly rough operating conditions of the automobile (variable humidity, possible contact with water) require protection of wooden elements. This paper provides the results of a study of modified wood by acetylation with acetic acid. Experimental data showed that moisture absorption decreased depending on the duration of wood veneer treatment in glacial acetic acid from 43% to 21%. An increase in the limiting wetting angle value was found - 460, 580 and 690 as compared with the control sample (100). The mass gain after keeping the samples for 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 hours in glacial acetic acid ranged from 1.2 to 4.8% by mass as compared to the control sample (due to the introduction of acetyl groups). Based on the results of acquired data, it can be concluded that this method of wood treatment allows reducing moisture absorption, minimizing swelling and, as a result, increasing the shape stability of wooden products for the automotive industry.