Abstract

GONZALEZ-PENA, Marcos M.  and  HONORATO-SALAZAR, J. Amador. Resistencia a la pudrición y estabilidad dimensional de la madera acetilada con y sin catalizador. Madera bosques [online]. 2005, vol.11, n.1, pp.49-61. ISSN 2448-7597.  https://doi.org/10.21829/myb.2005.1111261.

This work was aimed at assessing the decay resistance of acetylated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood against white (Coriolus versicolor) and brown (Coniophora puteana) rot fungi and the effect of pyridine as catalyst. Samples were decayed over pure cultures on 4% malt agar for twelve weeks, following the general procedures of the European Standard EN113. Additionally, the dimensional stability of wood given by acetylation was compared in the catalysed and uncatalysed chemical modification systems. The chemical modification provided resistance to the biodegradation of the wood against brown and white rot fungi. A greater level of acetylation was required to inhibit the brown rot, in comparison with the required level to prevent the white rot. The decay patterns and the weight loss recorded indicated that, pyridine as a catalyst did not influence the decay resistance of acetylated wood, when results were compared within the same fungus species. The dimensional stability provided by acetilización, and measured by the antiswelling efficiency (ASE), was satisfactory in both reaction systems, although the uncatalysed system was significantly more efficient. It was concluded that the weight percentage gain due to chemical modification is a good indicator of the degree of permanent partial swelling of the wood blocks, as well as of the dimensional stability and the resistance to decay of the acetylated wood.

Keywords : Acetylation; Coniophora puteana; Coriolus versicolor; chemical modification; scots pine.