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Abstract
A new procedure has been developed for the rapid continuous acetylation of lignocellulosic fiber. A limited amount of acetic anhydride is applied to the fiber before the fiber goes through a reactor at high temperature. The acetylated fiber is then stripped in a first step with superheated vapor of anhydride/acetic acid and, optionally, in a second step with superheated steam to both dry the fiber and convert any un-reacted anhydride to acid making separation of byproducts easier. Fiberboards made using the acetylated fiber were much more stable to dimensional changes in both high relative humidity and liquid water without loss of strength properties as compared to non-acetylated fiberboards.
Keywords
Fibers,
acetylation,
dimensional stability,
equilibrium moisture content,
reaction conditions,
strength properties,
fiberboard,
fibrous composites,
composite materials,
mechanical properties,
moisture,
humidity,
acetic anhydride,
strength
Citation
Rowell, R. M.; Simonson, R. 2004. Latest advancements in the acetylation of wood fibers to improve performance of wood composites. Proceedings of the 7th Pacific Rim Bio-Based Composites Symposium, 2004 October 31-November 2, Nanjing, China. Nanjing, China : Science and Technique Literature Press, [2004}: pages 8-12.
