FTIR Characterization of Chemically Modified Fiberboard

High temperature refined thermo-mechanical pulp (MDF fiber) was dried, extracted with neutral organic solvent and reacted with an electrophilic reagent, i.e. glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The adducts formed were characterized by infra-red spectroscopy and further reacted in a hot press with a series of vinyl monomers in the presence of a free radical initiator (benzoyl peroxide). Well conformed boards were produced by the process. Samples of these boards were ground to a fine flour, extracted with acetone/ toluene to remove the polymers and again characterized by infra-red spectroscopy. The spectral evidence suggests that some copolymerization occurs between GMA-modified fiber and the polymer.