Analysis of acetylated wood by electron microscopy

The properties of acetylated solid wood were investigated earlier, in particular the anti-shrink efficiency and the resistance against decay. This study focuses on the possible changes and damage to the wood structure due to an acetylation process leading to weight per cent gains of up to 20%. Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) was used to investigate the fine structure of acetylated beech, pine and spruce. Cell wall swelling was observed, but no evidence of damage could be seen as a result of the acetylation procedure. The fine structure of the wood tissue such as the pits and the thin parenchyma walls appeared untouched.