The present disclosure describes a treated cellulosic material comprising a cellulosic material having a porous structure defining a plurality of pores, at least a portion of the pores containing a treating agent comprising a polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer; and a modifying agent comprising an epoxy.

The present disclosure describes a treated cellulosic material comprising a cellulosic material having a porous structure defining a plurality of pores, at least a portion of the pores containing a treating agent comprising a polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer; and a modifying agent comprising an epoxy.

According to the present invention there is provided the use of one or more low aromatic or substantially low aromatic solvents as a carrier, for efficacious use within a preservative formulation for treating wood or other cellulosic species. The invention also provides for a wood preservative formulation comprising such a carrier. In an embodiment, the carrier is selected from the commercially-available range of Exxsol® D and Isopar® fluids.

According to the present invention there is provided the use of one or more low aromatic or substantially low aromatic solvents as a carrier, for efficacious use within a preservative formulation for treating wood or other cellulosic species. The invention also provides for a wood preservative formulation comprising such a carrier. In an embodiment, the carrier is selected from the commercially-available range of Exxsol® D and Isopar® fluids.

A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.

A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.

A process for acetylation of wood having a density of above 400 kg/m.sup.3, particularly, of Southern Yellow Pine, allows the production of acetylated wood having higher acetylation levels, such as an acetyl content of at least 20% by weight. The acetylated wood has also a low residual acetic acid content, in particular, lower than 1% by weight. The invention is particularly useful for acetylation on industrial scale of pieces of solid wood, preferably, of wood beams.

A process for acetylation of wood having a density of above 400 kg/m.sup.3, particularly, of Southern Yellow Pine, allows the production of acetylated wood having higher acetylation levels, such as an acetyl content of at least 20% by weight. The acetylated wood has also a low residual acetic acid content, in particular, lower than 1% by weight. The invention is particularly useful for acetylation on industrial scale of pieces of solid wood, preferably, of wood beams.

A hydrophobic fluid includes a solvent-based solution of at least one aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbon, with a chain length of C9 to C15 and at least one ether, ester, ketone and/or an alcohol, in particular a non-flammable alcohol. The hydrophobic fluid also has a fluoropolymer, in particular a non-combustible fluoropolymer with a flash point>60° C. in a proportion of 0.1 to 30 wt. %.

A hydrophobic fluid includes a solvent-based solution of at least one aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbon, with a chain length of C9 to C15 and at least one ether, ester, ketone and/or an alcohol, in particular a non-flammable alcohol. The hydrophobic fluid also has a fluoropolymer, in particular a non-combustible fluoropolymer with a flash point>60° C. in a proportion of 0.1 to 30 wt. %.