Assessment of Changes in Selected Features of Pine and Birch Wood after Impregnation with Graphene Oxide

Izabela Betlej ¹, Sławomir Borysiak ², Katarzyna Rybak ³

⁰Institute of Wood Sciences and Furniture, Department of Wood Science and Wood Protection, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 159 Nowoursynowska St., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.

Materials (basel, Switzerland) +

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September 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Graphene oxide (GO) impregnation enhances wood crystallinity, particularly in birch. GO adheres to cell walls, affecting wood color and water absorption without blocking flow, with higher retention in pine.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Wood Science
Nanotechnology

Background

Wood modification is crucial for enhancing material properties.
Graphene oxide (GO) offers unique properties for material functionalization.
Understanding GO interaction with different wood species is essential.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the effects of graphene oxide impregnation on pine and birch wood.
To analyze changes in cellulose crystallinity, chemical structure, and physical properties.
To evaluate the water absorption and retention of GO-modified wood.

Main Methods

Single vacuum impregnation of pine and birch wood with graphene oxide.
Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for chemical analysis.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural observation.
Water absorption and retention tests.

Main Results

Graphene oxide impregnation increased cellulose crystallinity in both wood types, with a more significant effect in birch.
FT-IR analysis indicated new C-O-C connections in pine and changes in OH group vibrations in birch.
SEM images showed GO adhering flat to the cell wall, with higher GO content in earlywood.
Water absorbability remained comparable to unmodified wood, and GO retention was higher in pine.

Conclusions

Graphene oxide modification effectively enhances wood cellulose crystallinity and alters surface properties.
The anatomical structure influences GO distribution and water retention, with pine showing higher retention.
GO impregnation is a promising method for wood functionalization without impeding water transport.

Keywords:

SEM crystallinity graphene oxide pine and birch wood structural analysis thermogravimetric measurements