An investigation of the potential for chemical modification and subsequentpolymeric grafting as a means of protecting wood against photodegradation

Pine sapwood samples were chemically modified with methacrylic anhydride, a nd the modified samples were grafted with styrene via a free radical proces s. Unmodified, modified, and modified and styrene grafted samples were expo sed to UV irradiation and the samples were then analysed for colour, bright ness, and chemical changes (using infra-red and X-ray photoelectron spectro scopy). Although modification did impart colour stability to samples follow ing UV exposure, there was no evidence that either modification, or modific ation plus grafting resulted in any improvement in the chemical stability o f the wood. The colour stabilisation is attributed to the production of per oxy derivatives of the bonded acyl groups. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.