Comparing the effect of modification with different silane compounds on the chemical structure and physical properties of poplar wood

This research was conducted to compare the effect of tetraethoxy silane and triethoxy vinyl silane on chemical structure and physical properties of poplar wood. Test samples were divided into control, modified with silane compounds, vinyl silane / benzoyl peroxide initiator, and combined of silane/ benzoyl peroxide. Modifier resulted in change of chemical structure, increase of density and bulk of wood samples. Weight gain of triethoxy vinyl silane modified samples was higher than tetraethoxy silane modified ones, which was more significant in presence of initiator. The initiator significantly reduced water absorption and dimensional changes in modification with silane. At the end of soaking-drying test, weight loss and bulking coefficient of tetraethoxy silane modification was higher than triethoxy vinyl silane. The lowest loss of weight and bulk were calculated for triethoxy vinyl silane /benzoyl peroxide and combined modified samples. In the first cycle, water absorption of the triethoxy vinyl silane modified samples was more than tetraoxysilane, and from second cycle, this trend was reverse. Initiator with polymerization of triethoxy vinyl silane more significantly decreased water absorption and volume swelling