Densification of lignocellulosic material.

摘要

The invention comprises a method of densifying lignocellulosic material such as wood. The wood is impregnated with a maltodextri solution under vacuum and/or pressure and the maltodextrin is then cross linked to substantially insolubilise the maltodextrin. A wood-polymer composite is formed. Suitable cross linking agents include compounds having at least one hydroxyl group. Maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent in the range 15 to 30 are preferred. The resulting composite material has improved appearance, hardness, impact resistance, strength and water repellency.