Preparation and properties of high-performance fast-growing wood modified by exfoliated organo-montmorillonite in waterborne hyperbranched polyacrylate emulsion

[Display omitted] •A green novel waterborne heat-curable OMMT/HBPA emulsion was synthesized.•OMMT exhibited highly exfoliated structure in the HBPA emulsion.•OMMT successfully entered into the wood cell wall.•HBPA formed a hydrophobic film after curing to improve the properties of wood.•The contents of VOCs leased from the modified wood was lower than unmodified one. A novel waterborne hyperbranched polyacrylate (HBPA) emulsion containing exfoliated organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) was synthesized and used to modify wood. The thus-modified wood was characterized and tested. Comparing with linear polyacrylate (PA), the HBPA had smaller particle size and lower viscosity. Part of MMT layers and HBPA successfully entered into wood cell walls. After heating, the hydrophobic HBPA formed a layer of film, which benefited to the highly improved properties of wood. The content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of modified wood was lower than that of the unmodified wood. All the results suggested the modified wood was prospective for structural materials.