A Novel Method for Calcium Carbonate Deposition in Wood That Increases Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Fire Resistance

Abstract

In this study, a novel method for calcium carbonate deposition in wood that increases carbon dioxide concentration and fire resistance is proposed. The method promoted the mineralization of radiata pine wood microstructure with calcium carbonate by using a process consisting in the vacuum impregnation of wood with a calcium chloride aqueous solution and the subsequent sequential diffusion of gaseous ammonium and carbon dioxide. In the most favorable conditions, the method yielded a weight gain of about 20 wt.% due to mineralization, which implied the accumulation of 0.467 mmol·g−1 of carbon dioxide in the microstructure of wood. In addition, a weight gain of about 8% was sufficient to provide fire resistance to a level similar to that achieved by a commercially available fire-retardant treatment. The feasibility of retaining carbon dioxide directly inside the wood microstructure can be advantageous for developing wood products with enhanced environmental characteristics. This method can be a potential alternative for users seeking materials that could be effective at supporting a full sustainable development.

Intumescent Coatings for Fire Resistance of Steel Structures: Current Approaches for Qualification and Design

“…These ICs can be used not only for fire protection of steel but also for wood or concrete structures. In the case of wood, novel methods for calcium carbonate deposition in wood that increases carbon dioxide concentration and fire resistance are also proposed in the literature [4]. For concrete, especially if a geopolymer one is considered, several coating types can be considered in order to increase its fire resistance [5].…”