Physiochemical characterization and thermal behaviour of transparent wood composite

This paper describes the fabrication of large size transparent wood composite (TWC) from longitudinal veneers of three hardwood wood species viz., Populus deltoides (Poplar), Grevillea robusta (Silver oak) and Melia dubia (Melia) based on two-step lignin modification bleaching process and polymer (epoxy resin) infiltration. High optical transmittance of ~83.5%, ~76.7% and ~72.8% was obtained at 550 nm wavelength for TWC prepared using 2 mm thick veneers of Poplar, Melia and Silver oak, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy validate preservation of substantial lignin and successful inclusion of polymer in the wood micro-structure. X-Ray diffraction technique was used for analyzing crystallinity in wood and TWC material. Thermal behavior of wood and TWC was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. TWC exhibited low density, good mechanical properties, low thermal conductivity (0.36 W/mK) and good thermal stability.