Mechanical properties of MMA-hardened hybrid poplar wood

Wood of fast-growing hybrid poplars, consisting of six 6-year-old clones in one plantation in Quebec, was impregnated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and then polymerized by heat/catalyst method. The mechanical properties (static bending and compressive strength) of poplar clones and its MMA-hardened wood were investigated. Significant differences were observed among clones in bending and compression strength parallel to grain. Hardening treatment has also considerably improved all strength properties except for strain at rupture in static bending. The effects of density on mechanical properties were inconsistent, especially for hardened wood. Density was not the most important factor affecting strength properties. The improved properties of MMA-hardened hybrid poplar were comparable to some commercial hardwood species.

► Hybrid poplar wood samples from six clones were hardened with methyl methacrylate (MMA). ► Highest increase rates at 18% and 39% for modulus of elastic (MOE) and modulus of rupture MOR were observed in static bending test. ► Highest increase rates at 27% and 50% for MOE and maximum crushing strength were found in parallel compression test.