| 1. |
- Jiang, Wen, et al.
(författare)
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Particleboards with Partially Liquefied Bark of Different Particle Sizes
- 2021
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Ingår i: Drewno. - : Instytut Technologii Drewna. - 1644-3985. ; 64:207, s. 43-57
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents a novel method of partially liquefying bark sawmilling waste for use in making particleboards. Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) bark of different particle sizes (fine, medium, coarse, and mixed) was partially liquefied in the presence of ethylene glycol as a solvent and sulphuric acid as a catalyst at 180 degrees C for 30 minutes. Single-layer particleboards were prepared by mixing partially liquefied bark (PLB) and wood chips at a ratio of 0.25 with no adhesives (group A) and at ratios of 0.25 or 0.1 with melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives for additional bonding (groups B and C respectively). Mechanical and physical properties of the particleboards were tested according to European standards. The results showed that the boards in group A had lower densities, inferior mechanical properties and higher moisture content than those in groups B and C. Bark particle size had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of particleboards within each group. Additional MUF bonding and avoidance of coarse bark particles had a positive effect on mechanical properties. The thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA) values of MUF-bonded boards were lower than those of boards without MUF, and greater addition of PLB produced particleboards with better water resistance. Bark particle size was not as critical for TS and WA as for mechanical properties. The overall results suggested using a bark particle size of < 2 mm for further studies.
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| 2. |
- Jiang, Wen, et al.
(författare)
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Utilization of Partially Liquefied Bark for Production of Particleboards
- 2020
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Ingår i: Applied Sciences. - Basel, Switzerland : MDPI. - 2076-3417. ; 10:15, s. 1-14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bark as a sawmilling residue can be used for producing value-added chemicals and materials. This study investigated the use of partially liquefied bark (PLB) for producing particleboard with or without synthetic adhesives. Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) bark was partially liquefied in the presence of ethylene glycol and sulfuric acid. Four types of particleboard panels were prepared with a PLB content of 4.7%, 9.1%, 20%, and 33.3%, respectively. Another five types of particleboard panels were manufactured by using similar amounts of PLB and 10 wt.% of melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives. Characterization of bark and solid residues of PLB was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and automated vapor sorption (AVS). Mechanical and physical properties of the particleboard were tested according to the European standards EN 310 for determining modulus of elasticity and bending strength, EN 317 for determining thickness swelling after immersion in water, and EN 319 for determining internal bond strength. The results showed that the increase in PLB content improved the mechanical strength for the non-MUF boards, and the MUF-bonded boards with up to 20% of PLB met the requirements for interior uses in dry conditions according to EN 312. The non-MUF boards containing 33.3% of PLB and the MUF-bonded boards showed comparable thickness swelling and water absorption levels compared to the reference board.
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| 3. |
- Kumar, Anuj, et al.
(författare)
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Hydrophobicity and resistance against microorganisms of heat and chemically crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous membranes
- 2019
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Ingår i: Chemical Engineering Journal. - : Elsevier. - 1385-8947 .- 1873-3212. ; 360, s. 788-796
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a water-soluble, semi-ionic and biocompatible polymer with excellent chemical and thermal stability. The chemical crosslinking of PVA membrane improve its stability towards humidity and water. In the present work, PVA nanofibrous membranes were fabricated using roller electrospinning techniques. The prepared membranes were crosslinked by heat treatment, glutaraldehyde dipping, and glutaraldehyde vapour. Furthermore, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) treatment was used for hydrophobization of the crosslinked membranes. The prepared crosslinked membranes were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The hydrophobization of PVA nanofibrous membranes were analysed by employing optical goniometer and auto-dynamic vapour sorption (AVS) techniques. Further, the PVA membranes were tested against algae and mould growth at in-vitro laboratory conditions. The SEM and FTIR results revealed significant differences in the morphology of the PVA nanofibrous membranes and in chemical bond formation due to crosslinking treatments. Water contact angle and AVS data confirmed a hydrophobization of PVA membranes by the treatments.
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| 4. |
- Kumar, Anuj, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of liquefied wood polyol on the physical-mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy based polymer
- 2017
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Ingår i: Polymer testing. - : Elsevier. - 0142-9418 .- 1873-2348. ; 64, s. 207-216
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Epoxy resins are mostly produced from petroleum-based bisphenol A and epicholorhydrin. Bisphenol A is synthesized from non-renewable petroleum-based phenol and acetone. Biomass derived epoxy-based polymers (EBPs) are becoming the most promising alternative for petroleum-based counterparts, but still these biomass-based EBPs have inferior properties. In the present work, two types of epoxy resins were prepared with different weight percentages of resin (bisphenol A) and hardener. They were then modified with different weight percentages of liquefied wood from spruce sawdust. The derived EBPs were analysed in terms of tensile strength and tensile modulus, fractured surface morphology, thermal stability, long-term water adsorption and resistance to brown-rot fungus decay. The results revealed that the percentages of hardener and liquefied wood significantly influenced the overall properties of the EBPs.
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| 5. |
- Kumar, Anuj, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of surface modification of wood with octadecyltrichlorosilane on its dimensional stability and resistance against Coniophora puteana and molds
- 2016
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Ingår i: Cellulose. - : Springer. - 0969-0239 .- 1572-882X. ; 23, s. 3249-3263
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A relatively new approach for wood protection against fungal decay is based on hydrophobization of wood and on lowering its moisture content. Water repellence of wood can be increased by polymerization of hydrophobic monomers in wood cell walls. It was found that Norway spruce wood after treatment with octadecyltrichlorosilane exhibited reduced water uptake by the wood cell walls, lowered water vapour sorption, and significantly increased dimensional stability of wood in terms of anti-swelling efficiency. Hydrophobicity and lower equilibrium moisture content were shown to cause increased resistance of the treated samples against brown-rot decay and molds.
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| 6. |
- Kumar, Anuj, et al.
(författare)
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Liquefied-Wood-Based Polyurethane–Nanosilica Hybrid Coatings and Hydrophobization by Self-Assembled Monolayers of Orthotrichlorosilane (OTS)
- 2015
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Ingår i: ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. - USA : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 2168-0485. ; 3:10, s. 2533-2541
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have produced hybrid liquefied-wood-based polyurethane (LW-PU) and LW-PU/nanosilica hybrid coatings for wood substrates. The prepared hybrid polyurethane coatings were hydrophobized by self-assembled monolayers of orthotrichlorosilane (OTS) via a sol–gel dipping process. The nanosilica addition into the LW-PU system enhanced the physical properties of coatings like surface hardness and stability toward cold liquids. The OTS hydrophobized coatings were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface became hydrophobic as the contact angle (CA) for the water droplet on a modified hybrid coating was ∼115° and very stable. The FTIR, SEM, and EDS analysis confirmed the formation of OTS monolayers on hybrid coatings.
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| 7. |
- Kumar, Anuj, et al.
(författare)
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Surface modification of Norway spruce wood by octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) nanosol by dipping and water vapour diffusion properties of the OTS-modified wood
- 2018
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Ingår i: Holzforschung. - : Walter de Gruyter. - 0018-3830 .- 1437-434X. ; 72:1, s. 45-56
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present research deals with a simple dipping method to insert octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) into cell walls of spruce wood and to deposit OTS layers on its inner and outer surfaces. Distribution and chemical interactions of OTS with wood polymers has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The OTS/n-hexane solution penetrated into wood via capillary forces through ray tracheids and bordered pits and was deposited as OTS organic-inorganic layers on wood cell walls. The hypothesis is supported by the results, according to which the OTS molecules are hydrolysed by the wood moisture and by free OH groups of the cell wall components. The hydrolysed OTS molecules react with the OH groups and elevate the hydrophobicity of wood.
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| 8. |
- Källbom, Susanna
(författare)
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Characterisation of thermally modified wood for use as component in biobased building materials
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The building sector shows growing interest in biobased building materials. Wood components, here defined as ground or milled wood, i.e. by-products (residuals/residues) from wood processing, such as sawdust or shavings, are valuable raw materials for new types of durable biocomposites suitable for outdoor building applications. An important research question related to such composites is how to characterise and enhance molecular interactions, i.e. adhesion properties, between wood and binder components. Another challenge is the hygroscopicity of the wood component, which can lead to dimensional changes and interfacial cracks during exposure to varying moisture conditions. Thermal modification of wood reduces its hygroscopicity, thereby, increasing its durability, e.g. its dimensional stability and resistance to biodeterioration. The hypothesis is that the use of thermally modified wood (TMW) components in biocomposites can enhance their durability properties and, at the same time, increase the value of residues from TMW processing. The main objective of this thesis is to study and analyse the surface and sorption properties of TMW components using inverse gas chromatography (IGC), dynamic vapour sorption (DVS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the multicycle Wilhelmy plate method. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the surface and sorption characteristics of TMW components to enable the design of optimal adhesion properties and material combinations (compatibility) for use in biocomposites, especially suitable for outdoor and moist building material applications. Samples of TMW and unmodified wood (UW) components of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) heartwood were prepared and analysed with respect to surface energetics, hygroscopicity, liquid sorption and resulting swelling. The work also included analysis of surface chemical composition, as well as influences of extractives and moisture sorption history. The effect of using TMW components in a wood plastic composite (WPC) exposed to a series of soaking-drying cycles in water was studied with a focus on water sorption, swelling and micromorphological changes. The IGC analyses indicate that TMW components of spruce have a more heterogeneous surface energy character, i.e. a distinctly higher dispersive part of surface energy for low surface coverages, than do UW components. This is suggested to be due to the higher percentage of hydrophobic extractives present in TMW samples. Lewis acid-base analysis indicates that both UW and TMW components from spruce have a predominantly basic character and an enhanced basicity for the latter ones. Results show that both the hygroscopicity and water liquid uptake are lower for TMW than for UW samples. Unexpectedly, a significantly lower rate of water uptake was found for the extracted UW of pine heartwood than for non-extracted samples. In the former case, this is presumably due to contamination effects from water-soluble extractives, which increase capillary flow into wood voids, as proven by a decrease in water surface tension. Water uptake as well as swelling was significantly reduced for the WPCs with TMW and hot-water extracted UW components compared with the WPCs with UW components. This reduction also resulted in fewer wood component-polymer interfacial cracks in the WPCs with the modified wood components.
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| 9. |
- Källbom, Susanna, 1988-
(författare)
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Surface characterisation of thermally modified spruce wood and influence of water vapour sorption
- 2015
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Today there is growing interest within the construction sector to increase the proportion of biobased building materials made from renewable resources. By-products or residuals from wood processing could in this case be valuable resources for manufacturing new types of biocomposites. An important research question related to wood-based biocomposites is how to characterise molecular interactions between the different components in the composite. The hygroscopic character of wood and its water sorption properties are also crucial. Thermal modification (or heat treatment) of wood results in a number of enhanced properties such as reduced hygroscopicity and improved dimensional stability as well as increased resistance to microbiological decay.In this thesis, surface characteristics of thermally modified wood components (often called wood fibres or particles) and influencing effects from moisture sorption have been analysed using a number of material characterisation techniques. The aim is to increase the understanding in how to design efficient material combinations for the use of such wood components in biocomposites. The specific objective was to study surface energy characteristics of thermally modified spruce (Picea abies Karst.) under influences of water vapour sorption. An effort was also made to establish a link between surface energy and surface chemical composition. The surface energy of both thermally modified and unmodified wood components were studied at different surface coverages using inverse gas chromatography (IGC), providing information about the heterogeneity of the surface energy. The water vapour sorption behaviour of the wood components was studied using the dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) method, and their surface chemical composition was studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Additionally, the morphology of the wood components was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The IGC analysis indicated a more heterogeneous surface energy character of the thermally modified wood compared with the unmodified wood. An increase of the dispersive surface energy due to exposure to an increased relative humidity (RH) from 0% to 75% RH at 30 ˚C was also indicated for the modified samples. The DVS analysis indicated an increase in equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in adsorption due to the exposure to 75% RH. Furthermore, the XPS results indicated a decrease of extractable and a relative increase of non-extractable compounds due to the exposure, valid for both the modified and the unmodified wood. The property changes due to the increased RH condition and also due to the thermal modification are suggested to be related to alterations in the amount of accessible hydroxyl groups in the wood surface. Recommendations for future work and implications of the results could be related to knowledge-based tailoring of new compatible and durable material combinations, for example when using thermally modified wood components in new types of biocomposites for outdoor applications.
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