Résumé
This paper presents a summary of results concerning different research works developed in laboratory to improve decay and termite durability of wood using combined treatments involving thermal and mild chemical modifications. After different encouraging results obtained on small samples treated under laboratory conditions, tests were performed on larger size samples in collaboration with Göttingen University. Wood blocks were modified with an aqueous solution of vinylic derivative of glycerol/polyglycerol followed by curing at 220°C under different temperatures. Treated wood were characterized on the basis of their mass variation after impregnation and their decay resistance against, white rot, brown rot and soft rot fungi evaluated as well as their biological resistance against subterranean termite using laboratory and field tests. Results indicated that all modified wood using conditions associating light chemical treatments followed by curing at 220°C presented high durability towards all wood rotting fungi tested and significantly better durability against Reticulitermes flavipes in laboratory conditions and subterranean termite in field test after a period of 328 days in soil.