Wood Modification Technologies: Principles, Sustainability, and the Need for Innovation [Paperback]

Wood and Wood Modification. Chemical Modification Processes. Thermally-Based Modification Processes. The use of Microwaves, Plasma and Laser for Wood Modification. Other Modification Processes. Principles, Sustainability, and the need for Innovation.

The aim of this book is to put together the key elements of the changes of wood constituents and the related changes in wood properties of modified wood. Further, a selection of the principal technologies implemented in wood modification are presented.

The market for durable products using modified wood has increased substantially during the last few years. This is partly because of the restriction on the use of toxic preservatives due to environmental concerns, and to lower maintenance cost and time. Furthermore, as sustainability becomes a greater concern, the environmental impact of construction and interior materials is factored in planning by considering the whole life cycle and embodied energy of the materials used.

Wood is modified to improve its intrinsic properties, enhance the range of applications of timber, and to acquire the form and functionality desired by engineers without calling the environmental friendliness into question. Wood modification processes are at various stages of development, and the challenges faced in scaling up to industrial applications differ.