Inspired by the natural matrix-mediated biomineralization,
wood
composites were prepared by vacuum impregnation using the gel effect
of sodium alginate (SA) on calcium ions, which improved the mechanical
properties, flame retardant, and smoke suppression properties of the
wood composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray
diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed
that the SA inducer had promoted the orderly deposition and directional
crystallization of calcium carbonate (CaCO
3
) inside the
wood cell walls and intercellular spaces. The density and weight gain
rate of the biomimetic mineralized wood showed that CaCO
3
effectively adhered to the interior of wood with SA as an inducer.
The compressive and flexural strengths were 15.65% and 37.66% higher
than those of the control, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis
(TG) proved that SA alleviated the thermal decomposition and complete
combustion of the mineralized wood and improved the thermal stability.
Microcalorimetry (MCC) and cone calorimetry (CONE) analyses revealed
that the maximum heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR),
and the total smoke production (TSP) rate of the mineralized wood
was reduced by 59.51%, 48.52%, and 51.67%, respectively, compared
with those of the control. This research demonstrates the in situ
synthesis of CaCO
3
within the cellular microstructure of
the poplar which is using it as a biotemplate. With the enhancement
of the flame retardant property and others, the wood composite biomimetic
mineralized materials modified by CaCO
3
and SA could be
utilized more widely in the construction industry or other fields.