Modification of some mechanical properties of spruce by radiation induced copolymerization of acrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate with allyl glycidyl ether

In this study, spruce samples were impregnated with acrylonitrile (AN), met hyl methacrylate (MMA), allyl glycidyl ether (AGE), AGE/AN or AGE/MMA monom ers and monomer mixtures. In situ polymerization (copolymerization) was ach ieved by gamma irradiation. The relationship between the mechanical propert ies of the wood-polymer(copolymer) composites and the kind and quantity of polymers and copolymers, irradiation dose and artificial aging treatment of the wood was investigated. The fine structure of wood-polymer(copolymer) c omposites was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The presence of h omopolymer and copolymers increased the mechanical properties of the wood. The compressive strength and Brinell Hardness Numbers, determined for untre ated and treated wood samples, indicated that the mechanical strength of wo od-polymer(copolymer) was significantly increased in the presence of P(AGE/ MMA). At maximum percent conversion, the percentage increase in the compres sive strength with regard to the applied force perpendicular to the fibers in spruce was 218%. After aging for 28 days, it was found that there were n o significant changes in mechanical Stability.