Study on properties of gelatin–silica mineralized wood composite

Abstract Wood is a natural organic composite material that has abundant sources, is renewable, and exhibits an organized structure. However, the fast‐growing poplar tree is loose in texture and has poor physical, mechanical, and flame retardant properties. Inspired by the biomineralization mediated by the natural organic matrix, a biocompatible and mineral‐inducible gelatin solution is impregnated into the wood. Subsequently, the sol–gel method is used for the in‐situ mineralization of silica in wood pores and cell cavities using silica to prepare mineralized wood composite materials with excellent mechanical and flame retardancy properties. Fourier transform spectroscopy shows that wood and silica form an organic–inorganic hybrid structure, and scanning electron microscopy shows that gelatin coordinates with silica to form a dense microstructure. Compared with untreated wood, the compressive strength parallel to the grain, bending strength, and elasticity modulus of the mineralized wood were higher by 59.3%, 52.2%, and 46.2%, respectively. The peak heat release rate associated with cone calorimetry decreased by 45.8%. This effective and environment‐friendly method can improve the properties of wood. Furthermore, the preparation process is simple, green, and environment‐friendly, providing an alternative approach to wood modification research.