Wood surface stabilization with polyethyleneglycol,PEG

Summary The possibilities of interaction between wood, Pinus sylvestris, (60% RH) and potassium stained PEG 1500 (polyethyleneglycol) have been investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (EDS-analysis), dynamical mechanical techniques (DMTA) and X-ray diffraction (WAX).The EDS-analysis shows an even distribution of potassium in the cell wall. On the other hand the predicted cell wall swelling associated with PEG absorption is absent. This indicates that the method of staining PEG with potassium does not work. The DMTA-measurements show interaction on the molecular level between wood and PEG 1500. EDS-analysis, SEM- and WAX-investigations show free PEG in the impregnated specimens.