Modificação da madeira de Pinus elliottii com dióxido de titânio por meio do sistema solvotérmico assistido por micro-ondas

Abstract

Wood is one of the oldest materials used by humans due to its availability in nature. It is known that it has superior characteristics of other materials, such as concrete and plastic. However, because it is of organic origin, it is susceptible to deterioration by biotic and abiotic factors, which causes limitations on its use, both indoors and outdoors, and consequently induce the replacement of wood by other materials. To improve this deficiency there are preservative treatments that increase its shelf life, but because of their high toxicity, they have a number of restrictions. Therefore, the present study aimed to propose a more environmentally friendly process (microwave-assisted solvothermal) capable of modifying the wood in order to to improve its technological properties. This process was chosen because it allows the use of time, energy, temperature and reduced steps for the formation of new materials. The wood was modified with the crystallization of TiO2 particles on its surface and in part of the interior of the tracheids. Through the morphology and physico-chemical analyzes the future potential of this process to treat wood was proved. In 60 minutes and at 140°C, the wood was completely covered with anatase beads capable of protecting against the aging caused by ultraviolet radiation and changing its topography in order to attribute hydrophobicity characteristics. In addition, it demonstrated stable interaction between the two materials reducing flammability and thermal degradation. Another important aspect was that TiO2 remained in the wood after hours in a laboratory leaching test, indicating the stability of the material formed. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of this method to produce materials based on wood and ceramics with properties superior to the original material.