A fireproof material incorporating aerogel with a wood material and a method for making the same are provided. The method is carried out as follows: A. a mixed solution of a precursor and an organic solvent is added with an acid catalyst and becomes an aerogel solution through hydrolysis; B. the aerogel solution is added with an aqueous alkali catalyst solution and forms an aqueous aerogel solution through condensation; C. a wood material is impregnated with the aqueous aerogel solution such that aerogel generated by gelation covers the wood material; and D. the wood material is dried and then shaped to produce a fireproof material. The fireproof material is highly proof against fire and can pass the limiting oxygen index test.

A fireproof material incorporating aerogel with a wood material and a method for making the same are provided. The method is carried out as follows: A. a mixed solution of a precursor and an organic solvent is added with an acid catalyst and becomes an aerogel solution through hydrolysis; B. the aerogel solution is added with an aqueous alkali catalyst solution and forms an aqueous aerogel solution through condensation; C. a wood material is impregnated with the aqueous aerogel solution such that aerogel generated by gelation covers the wood material; and D. the wood material is dried and then shaped to produce a fireproof material. The fireproof material is highly proof against fire and can pass the limiting oxygen index test.

A flexible structure is formed by subjecting cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes hemicellulose and lignin therefrom. The treated wood has a unique 3-D porous structure with numerous channels, excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, and improved flexibility as compared to the natural wood. By further modifying the treated wood, the structure can be adapted to particular applications. For example, nanoparticles, nanowires, carbon nanotubes, or any other coating or material can be added to the treated wood to form a hybrid structure. In some embodiments, open lumina within the structure can be at least partially filled with a non-wood substance, such as a flexible polymer, or with entangled cellulose nanofibers. The unique architecture and superior properties of the flexible wood allow for its use in various applications, such as, but not limited to, structural materials, solar thermal devices, flexible electronics, tissue engineering, thermal management, and energy storage.

Disclosed is a method for the continuous impregnation of wood elements, such as wood chips. The method comprises the subsequent steps of subjecting the wood elements to vacuum, to contact with acetylation fluid, and to impregnation pressure. Preferably, the process is conducted in a plant having conveyors, such as transportation screws, in suitable positions between the zones in which the subsequent process steps are conducted. The impregnation method is used in connection with the acetylation of the wood elements, and preferably is followed by a continuous acetylation process conducted in an acetylation reaction zone downstream of the zone where the impregnation is conducted.

Disclosed are novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

Provided is a flame retardant and latent hardener composition including a blend of 30-100% (by weight based on total solids) of diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and dihydrogen phosphate, 0-50% (by weight based on total solids) of monoammonium. The flame-retardant/hardener composition is prepared as a solid blend or a liquid composition, the liquid composition being an aqueous composition including a liquid aqueous solution of the contents ranging from 25% w/w to 80% w/w. Methods for making flame retarded fiber boards using the composition as flame retarder and a hardener for the resin used in the production of the boards are also provided.

A liquid flame retardant composition is in the form of an admixture which includes a phosphate-based flame retardant, ammonium hydroxide and zinc borate. The invention extends to a method of providing a phosphate-based liquid flame retardant composition, to the use of a phosphate-based flame retardant, ammonium hydroxide and a zinc borate in the manufacture of a liquid flame retardant composition, to a cellulosic material treated with the liquid flame retardant composition and to a method of inhibiting strength loss in a cellulosic material when the cellulosic material is exposed to heat.

We disclose novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

A wood preservative composition comprising 4,5-dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one, a method of treating a wood substrate therewith, and a wood product produced therefrom are provided. The wood preservative composition comprises at least 0.5% by weight of DCOI based on the total weight of the composition and a retaining additive comprising a solvent-borne polymeric resin, a wax, or a combination thereof. A weight ratio of the DCOI to the retaining additive in the composition is in a range of 1:5 to 5:1.

A wood preservative composition comprising 4,5-dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one, a method of treating a wood substrate therewith, and a wood product produced therefrom are provided. The wood preservative composition comprises at least 0.5% by weight of DCOI based on the total weight of the composition and a retaining additive comprising a solvent-borne polymeric resin, a wax, or a combination thereof. A weight ratio of the DCOI to the retaining additive in the composition is in a range of 1:5 to 5:1.