TREATING WOOD WITH REACTIVE MONOMERS

摘要

The present invention provides methods of strengthening and/or protecting wood products with reactive monomers and other impregnable materials. For example, materials may be impregnated which protect the wood from environmental and insect decay and/or prevent the growth of fungi and molds. Other suitable materials include, for example, dyes to enhance the wood's grain, permitting the use of wood species with less attractive untreated appearances. A first aspect of the invention provides a method for treating a wood product comprising the steps of impregnating the wood product with at least one crosslinkable monomer, wherein the monomer is capable of penetrating a cell wall of the wood product and polymerizing the at least one crosslinkable monomer.