Influence of acetylation on fire resistance of beech plywood

Influence of acetylation on fire resistance was studied in beech plywood. Beech layers were acetylated in a reactor with acetic anhydride at 120 °C for varying durations. Plywoods were made from the acetylated layers and directly exposed to burning flame from their edges for 60 s according to ISO 11925-3. Ignition and glowing time were measured in samples. Results were analyzed statistically based on a complete randomized design to determine effect of the acetylation on fire resistance.Results indicated that the acetylation affects ignition and glowing in plywood. Ignition time was increased due to raised weight percent gains and glowing was decreased instead. The acetylated plywood was burning with short blue flames; while flame was long and yellowish in non-acetylated one. This study revealed that the acetylation retards slightly the fire in plywood; however it does not resist wood against fire.