Characterization of Thermo-oxidative and Wear Stability of Black Berry Wood and Its Polymethylmethacrylate and Polyacrylonitrile Impregnated Wood Composites

In this study, wood polymer composites (WPCs) were prepared with the impregnation of polymeric monomers methylmethacrylate (5.061 moles/L) and acrylonitrile (5.061 moles/L) into properly shaped black berry wood specimens in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (0.06 moles/L) to initiate the polymerization process forming free radicals in the benzene medium at 74 ± 1°C. Untreated wood and its polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyacrylonitrile impregnated wood composites were evaluated for stability of wood against thermo-oxidation in terms of differential thermogravimetry, thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis in air, and wear stability in terms of wear volume. Such prepared WPCs indicated a significant improvement in all the properties investigated. It was also investigated that polyacrylonitrile impregnation imparted more resistance to wood against thermo-oxidation and wear in comparison to PMMA impregnation. Presence of PMMA and polyacrylonitrile impregnation into black berry wood was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy.