Enhancing properties of fast-grown poplar wood by impregnating nano hexagonal boron nitride fortified polyvinyl acetate resin

Fast-grown plantation wood species such as poplar (Populus deltoides) are widely available but inherently possess poor decay resistance and limited mechanical strength which restricts its end-use applications. This study focuses on enhancing the properties by impregnating poplar wood with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) resin fortified with nano hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The vacuum-pressure impregnation process was followed for treatment and the treated samples were evaluated for fungal decay resistance against brown rot and white rot fungi, as well as density, water absorption, surface hardness, compressive strength and thermal stability. Nanoparticles distribution within the wood microstructure was analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. Results showed that h-BN fortification of PVAc with different concentrations further improved the properties of poplar wood. These findings demonstrate that h-BN-PVAc impregnation is a promising modification method for producing a wood with enhanced properties for indoor wood products from fast-grown species which can be promising material towards sustainable development.