Influence of ionic liquids on the surface properties of poplar veneers

In this paper, the influence of four types of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) on the surface properties of common aspen (Populus tremula) veneers has been studied by using contact angle, electrical conductivity and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The measurements showed that wood wettabillity is increased by IL treatment. The electrical conductivities of treated wood were in the 0.5-1 mS/cm range, higher than the ones reported in the reference literature. It has been determined that the ILs decrease the crystallinity and improve the flexibility of the cellulose matrix. It has been determined by photographic image analysis that the surface roughness of the IL treated veneers decreases in comparison with the untreated samples.

Research highlights► Treating poplar wood veneers with four types of alkylimidazolium-based ionic liquids. ► Wood wettabillity is increased by ionic liquid treatment. ► Electrical conductivities of treated wood were in the 0.5-1 mS/cm range. ► Decreasing the crystallinity and improving the flexibility of the cellulose matrix. ► The surface roughness decreases in comparison with the untreated samples.