Physical, Mechanical and Biological Properties of Beech and Fir Wood Modified with Gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane

Abstract

Silanes have potential for modifying wood materials to improving their properties. The aim of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and fir (Abies bornmülleriana Mattf.) wood samples impregnated with gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as well as their performance against decay fungi. Beech and fir wood samples were impregnated with APTES at 20% and 40% concentrations. Control and treated samples were subjected to water uptake, bending strength and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests as well as exposure to the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana. Weight percentage gain (WPG) was higher in fir samples than in beech samples after APTES treatment. Water uptake was higher in fir samples than beech for control and impregnated samples. Water uptake decreased with higher APTES concentrations. APTES treatment slightly increased modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). Mass loss caused by decay fungi was much lower in APTES treated timbers.