Abstract
Impregnation of dry wood with pure lactic acid oligomers (OLAs) followed by heat treatment conferspromising properties to wood because of OLA’s good diffusion, in-situ polymerization and persistence in cellwalls. Treatment provides drastic reduction of the equilibrium moisture content, high dimensional stabilityand good durability. The presence of water during treatment has been evaluated. Curing of OLA impregnateddry wood in humid atmosphere leads to a strong and global degradation of the material. OLA treatment ofwet wood only impacts the water leaching rate negatively. Treatment of dry wood with OLA diluted in wateradditionally decreases the biological resistance and is not efficient for decreasing hygroscopicity. Treatment ofdry wood with lactic acid solution leads to a lower polymerization level but confers good properties.