Influence of surface modification of wood with octadecyltrichlorosilane on its dimensional stability and resistance against Coniophora puteana and molds

Abstract

A relatively new approach for wood protection against fungal decay is based on hydropho- bization 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