Study on Phenol–Formaldehyde Resin–Montmorillonite Impregnation and Compression Modification of Chinese Fir

Abstract

In this study, a phenol–formaldehyde resin–montmorillonite intercalation composite solution was used as a modifier to treat Chinese fir via impregnation and compression. The basic characteristics and wettability of the PF (phenol–formaldehyde)–montmorillonite impregnation solution were analyzed. The effects of the solid content of PF, the quantity of montmorillonite, and the impregnation time on the impregnation weight gain of Chinese fir were studied through orthogonal experiments. The results showed that when the amount of montmorillonite was 1%, the wettability of the PF–montmorillonite impregnation solution performed the best, the curing time was short, and the curing strength was high. The optimal impregnation process consists of a PF solid content of 25%, an impregnation time of 120 min, and a montmorillonite ratio of 1%. Under these conditions, the modified Chinese fir was prepared via hot pressing. The effects of the addition of montmorillonite and different levels of compressibility on the physical and mechanical properties of modified wood were studied. The physical and mechanical properties were found to be better when the compression ratio was 33%: the density increased from 0.33 g/cm3 to 0.58 g/cm3; the surface hardness increased from 33.6 HD to 70.9 HD; the static bending strength increased from 60.4 MPa to 98.7 MPa; and the elastic modulus increased from 6 390 MPa to 11 498 MPa. After 30 days of release, the compression rebound rate was 3.97%. Meanwhile, the micromorphology and heat resistance of the impregnated compressed Chinese fir showed that the PF–montmorillonite impregnation solution entered into the cell cavity and intercellular space of the Chinese fir and formed a good composite, thus improving the water resistance, heat resistance, and physical and mechanical properties.