Chemical modification of beech wood: Effect on thermal stability

Abstract

Beech sawdust was reacted with phthalic (PA) and maleic (MA) anhydrides for chemical modification. The influence of reaction time and anhydride amount was investigated. IR spectra gave evidence of wood esterification. Thermogravimetric investigation of chemically modified wood indicated a better thermal stability (mainly for wood treated with phthalic anhydride) in comparison with the untreated wood.