Abstract:

Melamine-formaldehyde acrylamide (MFA) copolymer was prepared and vacuum impregnated into wood in presence of 1,3-dimethylol 4,5-dihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) as crosslinker, vinyltrichlorosilane (VTCS) modified montmorillonite (MMT) and Gum Polymer (GP) derived from Moringa oleifera as a flame retarding agent under catalyst heat treatment. The formation of MFA and DMDHEU was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The crystallinity of the composites and interaction among them was studied by X-ray Diffrac-tometry (XRD) and FTIR study. Maximum interaction was found in wood samples treated with MFA/DMDHEU/GP
(3 phr)/MMT as shown by FTIR. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of polymer and MMT in the composites. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) study indicated the incorporation of MMT into the wood polymer composite. Thermal stability and flammability were checked by Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA) and Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) instrument. The treatment of wood with GP had a significant influence on the thermal stability and flame retardant properties of the composites. Remarkable improvement in water repellency and chemical resistance was found for the treated wood samples. The composites showed significant improvement in mechanical properties due to treatment.

Key words: wood, gum polymer, nanocomposites, flame retardancy