Strong and durable structural timber, as well as methods for its manufacture and use.

Abstract

To provide natural wood material with improved strength and toughness.SOLUTION: Wood material is treated in a chemical process to partially remove lignin from cellulose-based natural wood material, in which cellulose nanofibers of cell walls are aligned. Then, the treated wood material is pressed in a direction intersecting a direction in which lumens extend, such that the lumens are destroyed and residual fluid in the wood material is removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

[0001] This application is U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 483828, filed on April 10, 2017. and the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 627600 filed on February 7, 2018 This assertion is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] This disclosure relates to natural wood structures in general, and more specifically, to improving strength and toughness. Chemical treatment and pressing of natural wood, as well as combining such strong and durable wood Regarding complex structures and devices. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The disclosed embodiment of the subject involves partially removing lignin from cellulosic natural wood. It provides a strong and durable wood structure formed by chemical treatment. This holds the lumen of natural wood, with the cellulose nanofibers of the cell wall aligned. Next, The treated wood has a prolonged cavity so that the cavity breaks down and residual fluid inside the wood is removed. Pressed in a direction intersecting the direction of extension (i.e., having a force component perpendicular to the direction in which the lumen extends) As a result, the cell walls become entangled, and hydrogen bonds form between adjacent cellulose nanofibers. Because it is formed, the strength and toughness of the wood are improved, among other mechanical properties. Chemically treated wood can be further modified, manipulated, or machined for various structural applications. It can be adapted to suit the system.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the structure substantially maintains the structure of the cellulosic lumen. However, it is chemically treated to partially remove lignin, and the lumen is at least partially The first natural Contains wood fragments.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the method involves a cellulosic lumen extending in a first direction Natural wood pieces are treated with a chemical solution to partially remove lignin while substantially maintaining the structure. This method includes a step of processing the material. After processing, the lumen is at least partially disintegrated. Thus, the chemically treated wood piece is subjected to a first time interval in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The step of pressing can also be included.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the structure has gaps between the cell walls of the lumen in a cross-sectional view. It contains compressed wood fragments whose internal cavity has completely collapsed without any damage.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the laminate comprises a plurality of compressed wood pieces. Each piece is cross-sectional In the figure, it is possible to have a lumen that is at least partially collapsed. The lumen is, It extends in the direction of extension. The directions of extension of at least some of the compressed wood pieces intersect each other. Yes, it is possible. Multiple compressed wood pieces within a laminate can be joined together.

[0008] The objectives and advantages of the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are derived from the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will become clear.

[0009] The embodiments are described below, referring to the attached drawings, which may not necessarily be drawn to scale. To explain. Where applicable, some elements are used to illustrate and explain the underlying functions. Therefore, it may be simplified or not illustrated at all. The reference numbers should indicate similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an exemplary process flow diagram for manufacturing a strong and durable wood-based structure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2A] This is a simplified schematic diagram of a natural wood piece that has been chemically treated to partially remove lignin, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2B] This is a simplified schematic diagram of the chemically treated wood of Figure 2A after pressing, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a simplified diagram of a natural wood piece with lignin not removed. Figure 3B is a simplified diagram of the natural wood from Figure 3A after pressing. Figure 3C is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a cross-section of the natural wood with lignin not removed, perpendicular to the tree's growth direction. Figure 3D is an SEM image of a longitudinal cross-section of the natural wood with lignin not removed, parallel to the tree's growth direction. Figure 3E is an SEM image of a cross-section of the natural wood after pressing, perpendicular to the tree's growth direction. Figure 3F is an SEM image of a longitudinal cross-section of the natural wood after pressing, parallel to the tree's growth direction. [Figure 4]4A is a simplified schematic diagram of a natural wood piece subjected to chemical treatment for partially removing lignin, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 4B is a simplified schematic diagram of the chemically treated wood of 4A after pressing, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 4C is an SEM image of a cross section, in a direction perpendicular to the tree growth direction, of the chemically treated wood after pressing, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 4D is an SEM image of a longitudinal cross section, in a direction parallel to the tree growth direction, of the chemically treated wood after pressing, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 4E is an enlarged SEM image of region 410 in 4D, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 4F is a schematic diagram showing hydrogen bonds between cellulose nanofibers of intertwined cell walls of chemically treated wood after pressing, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5] 5A is a graph of density values obtained for pressed and chemically treated wood as a function of lignin content, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 5B is a graph of stress-strain curves of pressed and chemically treated wood for different lignin contents, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 5C is an SEM image of a longitudinal cross section, in a direction parallel to the tree growth direction, of pressed wood after chemical treatment that removes all lignin. [Figure 6] 6A is a simplified schematic diagram of a coated piece of pressed and chemically treated wood, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 6B is a graph of maximum service temperature versus tensile strength for various structural materials. [Figure 7] 7A is a simplified schematic diagram of wood, the surface of which is chemically treated with a plurality of nanoparticles, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 7B is a simplified schematic diagram of the wood of 7C after pressing, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 7C is an SEM image of the inner surface of a lumen of wood chemically treated with nanoparticles before pressing, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 7D is an enlarged SEM image of region 720 in 7C, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary process for forming strong and tough wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 8B is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary process for forming strong and tough wood using rotary cutting in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 8C is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary process for forming strong and tough wood from a hollow cylinder of natural wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 8D is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary process for forming strong and tough wood from a solid cylinder of natural wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 8E is a simplified schematic diagram of another exemplary process for forming strong and tough wood from a solid cylinder of natural wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a simplified schematic diagram of a mechanism for bending pressed and chemically treated wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 9B is an image of an exemplary bent piece of pressed and chemically treated wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 9C is a simplified schematic diagram of another exemplary bent piece of pressed and chemically treated wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 9D is a simplified schematic diagram of a mechanism for machining pressed and chemically treated wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 9E is an image of an exemplary machined piece of pressed and chemically treated wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10A] It is an exemplary process flow diagram for manufacturing a laminated structure from strong and tough wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10B] It is another exemplary process flow diagram for manufacturing a laminated structure from strong and tough wood in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 11]Figure 11A is a simplified diagram of the arrangement of chemically treated wood pieces for forming a laminated structure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject. Figure 11B is a simplified diagram of the laminated structure formed by the wood pieces of Figure 11A according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject. Figure 11C is a simplified diagram of a multilayer laminated structure formed by the chemically treated wood pieces of Figure 11B according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject. Figure 11D is a simplified diagram of another arrangement of chemically treated wood pieces for forming a laminated structure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject. Figure 11E is a simplified diagram of the laminated structure formed by the wood pieces of Figure 11D according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject. Figure 11F is a simplified diagram of a multilayer laminated structure formed from the chemically treated wood pieces of Figure 11E according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject. [Figure 12] Figure 12A is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary process for producing strong and durable wood laminates from wood chips, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Figure 12B is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary process for producing strong and durable wood laminates from wood chips and wood sheets, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Natural wood is composed of lignin (20% to 35% by weight) and hemicellulose (20% to 3% by weight). It is a composite material of cellulose nanofibers embedded in a matrix of 0% by weight. Cellulose (40% to 50% by weight), the main component of wood, is found in most metals and complex materials. It has a higher specific modulus and specific strength than composite materials and many ceramics. Natural wood is Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3A, the internal cavity 302 extends in the growth direction 306 of the wood (for example, A unique tertiary system with multiple channels, including tubular channels with cross-sectional dimensions of 20-80 μm. It has a porous structure 300. The cell walls 304 of natural wood 300 are mainly cellulose, It is composed of micellulose and lignin, as shown in the SEM images in Figures 3C and 3D. In sea urchins, these three components intertwine with each other to form a strong and rigid wall structure.

[0012] In the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, natural wood is subjected to chemical treatment. The lignin and hemicellulose content in the wood is significantly reduced, but the cellulose content It decreases only slightly. Partial removal of lignin / hemicellulose from cell wall 304. By removing the impurities, the wood becomes more porous and less rigid. After chemical treatment, the wood becomes The direction in which cellulose-based structures extend (i.e., the direction in which trees grow and the internal cavity of natural wood extends) Pressed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of (the material). Pressed and chemically treated wood (i.e., compressed wood) Compared to natural wood before processing and pressing, it exhibits at least an improvement in strength and toughness. It is possible to do so. Furthermore, in order to form a hybrid structure, either before or after pressing Alternatively, additional materials can be added to the wood. The added materials are chemically treated and While enjoying the improved mechanical properties provided by compressed wood after pressing, for example, hydrophobicity Alternatively, by providing fire resistance, it is possible to add functionality that is not available in natural wood. can.

[0013] As used herein, compressed wood refers to the chemical and pressing treatments described herein. This refers to natural wood (or other natural fiber plants such as bamboo) that has undergone this chemical treatment. This process partially removes lignin and hemicellulose, and also chemically treats the material through pressing. By causing the internal cavity of the wood to collapse at least partially (preferably completely), This improves the mechanical properties of the wood. The terms piece and structure are used herein. They are used interchangeably with specific sheets, sticks, strips, bars, blocks, and membranes. This refers to a film or any other shape. In fact, in some cases, it is pressed and chemically processed. A compressed, hollowed-out timber structure is also simply called compressed wood or strong wood. In one embodiment, the compressed wood film is thin, that is, any plane perpendicular to the thickness direction. Having a thickness smaller than that dimension, for example, if the thickness after pressing is less than 200 μm It's possible.

[0014] Referring first to Figure 1, a generalized process for forming and using compressed wood. 100 is shown. Process 100 can be started at 102, and here, for example By cutting from existing trees (or other plants) or blocks of natural wood, Natural wood pieces are supplied. For example, Figure 3A shows a rectangular piece of natural wood 300. However, other starting shapes such as cylindrical or hollow cylindrical are also possible, although they are not limited to this. Natural wood 3 00 has a unique three-dimensional structure having a lumen 302 that extends along the growth direction 306 of the tree. The lumen 302 is bounded by a cell wall 304, which is mainly composed of cellulose. Figures 3C and 3E show the morphology and microstructure of natural wood 300 under a scanning electron microscope. This is a (SEM) image.

[0015] Natural woods include basswood, oak, poplar, ash, alder, aspen, and bark. Woods such as beech, birch, cherry, butternut, chestnut, cocobolo, elm, hickory, and buckwheat. Maple, oak, padauk, plum, walnut, willow, yellow poplar, bald oak Japanese cedar, cypress, Douglas fir, fir, Western hemlock, larch, pine, redwood, spruce, ebony It is possible to use any kind of hardwood or softwood, such as lacquer, juniper, and yew. It is possible, but not limited to these. In some embodiments, natural wood is a wood other than bamboo. It could be a naturally occurring fibrous plant.

[0016] After cutting 102, process 100 proceeds to 104, where lignin is partially (but To remove (but not completely) the natural wood fragments, treat 300 pieces with a chemical solution. This can be done. Process 104 is to ensure that the chemical solution completely penetrates the cell walls and lumens of the natural wood. To facilitate this process, it can be carried out under vacuum. The process involves reducing the amount of cellulose in natural wood. At the very least, it retains some of the original natural wood lignin, ranging from 1% to 99% (by weight) ) can be removed. For example, after chemical treatment, 5 of the lignin in natural wood While 95% is removed, at least 20%, at least 40%, and less are removed from natural wood. At least 60%, or at least 90% (by weight), of cellulose is retained. In some embodiments, this is 23% to 60% of the lignin in natural wood. For example, After chemical treatment, 55% of the lignin in the natural wood is retained (i.e., 45% is removed). can.

[0017] Chemical solutions may contain chemicals used in pulping or pulp bleaching, such as Na OH, NaOH / Na2S, NaHSO3+SO2+H2O, NaHSO3, NaHSO 3+Na2SO3, NaOH+Na2SO3, Na2SO3, NaOH+AQ, NaOH / Na2S+AQ, NaHSO3+SO2+H2O+AQ, NaOH+Na2SO3+A Q, NaHSO3+AQ, NaHSO3+Na2SO3+AQ, Na2SO3+AQ, N aOH+Na2S+Na2Sn, Na2SO3+NaOH+CH3OH+AQ, CH3O H, C2H5OH, C2H5OH+NaOH, C4H9OH, HCOOH, CH3COO H, CH3OH+HCOOH, C4H8O2, NH3.H2O, p-TsOH, H2O2 NaClO, NaClO2 + acetic acid, ClO2, and Cl2 (where n and AQ are integers) It may contain at least one of the following: (intraquinone)

[0018] In step 106, it is determined whether sufficient lignin has been removed from the natural wood. Although 1% to 99% of the lignin is removed, the final amount is compressed wood for specific applications. It depends on the desired mechanical properties. The amount of lignin removed depends on the immersion time, but The pickling time can range from as little as 0.1 hours to over 72 hours, for example, from 0.5 hours to 1 hour. Depending on the desired amount of lignin removal, in addition to adjusting the immersion time, or adjusting the immersion time Alternatively, the temperature of the chemical solution can also be adjusted. In some embodiments, the temperature of the chemical solution The solution may be boiling, which can result in a greater amount of lignin compared to a non-boiling solution. In some embodiments, the chemical solution may have an alkaline pH value. For example, The solution is a boiling solution of 2.5M NaOH and 0.4M Na2SO3, and the immersion time is It could be between 0.5 and 7 hours.

[0019] Once sufficient lignin has been removed by process 104, process 100 is performed on the processed The process can proceed to the step of rinsing the wood pieces as desired. Rinsing is not limited to deionization. DI) This may include a step of immersing wood pieces treated with a solvent such as water. In this embodiment, the solvent may be at a high temperature such as boiling. Rinsing is performed on the treated wood pieces. Effective in removing residual chemical solutions from wood components removed by the process. It is possible. In some embodiments, it is desirable to retain the components of the wood that are to be removed. In some cases, rinsing can be omitted.

[0020] After rinsing (or after the completion of process 104 if there is no rinsing), process 100 optionally It can proceed to 108, where the chemically treated wood undergoes pre-press correction. For example If any modification 108 forms or deposits non-natural particles on the surface of chemically treated wood, The process may include steps to deposit material. Such a surface may have an inner surface, for example, the inner surface of a lumen. It may include the cell wall and the outer surface of the chemically treated wood. Among other functions, the non-natural particles incorporated have hydrophobic, weather-resistant, and corrosion-resistant properties (for example, Incorporate specific advantageous properties, such as saltwater resistance and / or flame retardancy, into the final compressed timber. This is possible. For example, in one embodiment, hydrophobic nanoparticles (e.g., SiO2 nanoparticles) As will be further explained below with respect to Figures 7A to 7E, on the surface of chemically treated wood It can be formed in this way.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, any modification 108 adds polymer to chemically treated wood. The steps involve further chemical treatment to correct the surface of chemically treated wood and obtain favorable properties. The process may include steps to perform the necessary procedures. For example, 108 steps to provide hydrophobicity. The chemical treatments include epoxy resin, silicone oil, polyurethane, and paraffin emulsion. John, acetic anhydride, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), 1H,1H,2H,2H - Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane, fluoroesine, polydimethylsiloxane ( PDMS), methacrylate oxymethyltrimethylsilane (MSi), polyhedral oligomers Lusesquioxane (POSS), potassium methyl siliconate (PMS), dodecyl ( Dimethoxysilane (DTMS), hexamethyldisiloxane, dimethyldiethoxysilane N, tetraethoxysilane, methyltrichlorosilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, methyl Triethoxysilane, Trimethylchlorosilane, Phenyltrimethoxysilane, Phenyl Triethoxysilane, Propyltrimethoxysilane, Polymethyl methacrylate, Poly diallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), 3-(trimethoxy) Silyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS), hydrophobic stearic acid, amphiphilic fluorinated triphosphate Blocked azidopolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride and silane fluoride, n-dodecyl It comprises at least one of dimethoxysilane and sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0022] For example, 108 further chemical treatments to provide weather resistance or corrosion resistance include CDDC (cupramate), copper ammonia quaternary (ACQ), copper chromite arsenate (CCA), ammonia Alkaline copper zinc arsenate (ACZA), copper naphthenate, copper acid chromate, copper citrate, copper azole 8-Hydroxyquinoline copper, pentachlorophenol, zinc naphthenate, copper naphthenate creosote, titanium dioxide, propiconazole, tebuconazole, cyproconazole , boric acid, borax, organic iodide (IPBC), and Na2B8O 13 • 4H2O It contains at least one of the following.

[0023] After any modification 108, process 100 can proceed to 110, where chemical treatment The wood is then pressed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the cavity. For example, press 110 is The press 110 is applied in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the extension of the lumen, or the press 110 is applied in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the extension of the lumen It may have force components perpendicular to the direction. Press 110 can reduce the thickness of the wood. This increases the density of the wood and eliminates voids or gaps within the cross-section of the wood. It is possible. For example, press 110 can handle pressures from 0.5 MPa to 10 MPa, for example It can be carried out at 5 MPa. In some embodiments, the pressing is performed at room temperature. In one embodiment, the press may be performed at a high temperature (i.e., cold press), while in another embodiment, the press may be performed at a high temperature. This is also fine (i.e., hot pressing). For example, the press can be operated at a temperature of 20°C to 120°C, for example 1 It may be run at 0°C.

[0024] Press 110 is used after processing 104 and / or any modification 108, in an intermediate drying stage. It may be performed without a top. As a result, the chemically treated wood retains water within it. In some cases, the water retained in the chemically treated wood is absorbed by the press 110. By removing impurities and reducing the thickness of the wood, the density of the wood can be increased. During the process, hydrogen bonds are formed between the remaining cellulosic nanofibers of the wood cell wall. This improves the mechanical properties of the wood. Furthermore, during modification 108, the surface of the wood Alternatively, particles or materials formed within the wood can be retained even after pressing, on the inner surface. The particles / materials are embedded in the collapsed lumen and within the entangled cell walls.

[0025] Press 110 allows water to be removed and desirable hydrogen bonds to be formed. It can be carried out over time. For example, chemically treated wood can be subjected to temperature, relative humidity, and Depending on factors such as the type of wood, other times may be possible, but it should be kept under pressure for at least 5 minutes. It can be maintained. For example, chemically treated wood can be maintained for at least 1 hour, at least 1 It can be held under pressure for 2 hours, at least 24 hours, or at least 48 hours. ru.

[0026] Figure 2A shows a lumen 202 extending along direction 206 and a cluster aligned along direction 206. A chemically treated wood block having a wall 204 made of lurose-based nanofibers. It indicates 200. Block 200 is pressed 208 in a direction intersecting the extending direction 206. This is possible, and thereby the compressed wood structure 210 in Figure 2B. As a result, as shown in 212, the lumen 202 can be completely disintegrated, and the cell wall 204 can be intertwined. The press is used to determine the thickness W2 of the block 210 after pressing. It can be reduced by at least 10% compared to W1 of block 200. Example For example, thickness W2 is 60%, 70%, or 80% greater than W1 of block 200. It can decrease significantly. For example, in a press, the compression ratio (W1:W2) can be 1.1:1 to 10:1. It is possible.

[0027] After pressing 110, the process can optionally proceed to 112, where the compressed wood is... A compression modification is applied. For example, any modification 112 is applied to the outer surface of the compressed wood (for example) This may include steps to form or deposit a coating (of non-natural particles). Among other properties, the coating offers hydrophobicity, weather resistance, corrosion resistance (e.g., saltwater resistance), And / or certain advantageous properties such as flame retardancy can be incorporated into compressed wood. For example, The coatings include oil-based paints, hydrophobic paints, polymer coatings, or fire-resistant coatings. It can include ing.

[0028] In one embodiment, a fire-resistant coating of nanoparticles (e.g., BN nanoparticles) is shown in Figure As will be further explained below regarding Figures 6A to 6B, it can be formed on the outer surface of compressed wood. Alternatively or additionally, the coating of modification 112 may be boron nitride, montmorillonite. Clay, hydrotalcite, silicon dioxide (SiO2), sodium silicate, carbonate Calcium (CaCO3), aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), aluminum sulfate, iron sulfate, Zinc borate, boric acid, borax, triphenyl phosphate (TPP), melamine, polyurethane Ammonium polyphosphate, phosphoric acid, phosphate ester, ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate Nium, phosphonic acid, diammonium phosphate (DAP), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, ri Monoammonium phosphate (MAP), guanylurea phosphate (GUP), dihydrogen guanidiphosphate It may contain at least one of n and antimony pentoxide.

[0029] After any modification 112, process 100 can optionally proceed to 114, where, For example, by machining or manipulating compressed wood to change its structure or shape. Compressed wood can be prepared for its final use. Machining processes include cutting (for example, cutting Machining, drilling, lathe work, tapping, boring, carving, routing, sanding This may include, but is not limited to, tumbling, grinding, and polishing. Processes include, but are not limited to, bending, forming, and other forming techniques. .

[0030] After any machining or operation 114, process 100 can proceed to 116, Therefore, compressed wood can be used for specific applications because its mechanical properties are improved. Compressed wood can be applied to a variety of structures and uses. For example, compressed wood can be used as follows: It is adaptable. • External components (e.g., body panels, door panels, roof, bumpers, floor) (Covering, roof, trim, mast, etc.), internal structural components (e.g., chassis, Frame rails, crossbeams, fuselage frames, wing frames, etc.), or automobiles, Trucks, motorcycles, trains, aircraft, ships, spacecraft, vessels or other means of transport, cars Internal components of both or the transport vehicle (e.g., door panels, liners, handles, Handrails, flooring, sheets, trim, storage boxes or shelves, etc.; • Exterior components (e.g., exterior walls, siding, roof, shutters, etc.), interior structural components Components (e.g., frame, studs, wall panels, lintels, crossbeams, load-bearing beams, underfloor space, etc.), or the interior components of a home, office, barn, warehouse, tower, or other building or structure (Doors, door frames, window frames, picture frames, walls, flooring, panels, ceilings, trim) , stairs, handrails, etc.); Decks, awnings, docks, patios, bridges, poles, breaches, or Platform structural components; • Furniture (e.g., chairs, benches, desks, tables, cabinets, wardrobes, counters) (e.g., a turntable or similar) or its internal structural components (e.g., the frame of a sofa or chair) (Bed frames, etc.), or home accents or decorations; • Musical instruments (e.g., piano, guitar, violin, harp, zither, drums, etc.), sports Sports equipment (for example, golf clubs, ping pong tables and paddles, basketball backbone) (e.g., goal or goalpost, baseball bat, etc.), tools (e.g., hammer handle) L, broom handle, saw, etc.; or • Protective components (e.g., computer cases, mobile phone cases, blast shields) (Protective vests, etc.), enclosures, containers, boxes, transport crates, packaging, and This is housing.

[0031] The above list of uses for compressed wood is not exhaustive. One or more possible implementations According to the description, it is also possible to apply compressed wood to uses beyond those specifically listed. In fact, Those skilled in the art will easily understand that, based on the teachings shown, compressed wood can be adapted for other uses. They will understand.

[0032] In conventional compression processes, natural wood 300 is pressed without removing lignin. In many cases, wood pretreatment (e.g., exposure to steam, heat, or ammonia, or cold working) is required. Rolling, etc., is required. These pretreatments can soften the structure of the wood, but the The basic composition of the natural wood is not altered. The resulting press is shown in Figure 3B. The modified wood 308 has a reduced thickness (i.e., along direction 312) compared to the original natural wood. The reduction in thickness is limited. For example, conventional compression processes are limited to a reduction of about 60%. It is being done. If lignin is not removed, natural wood 300 is pressed to completely fill the cavity 302. It is difficult to break it down and remove other voids from the cross-section. Furthermore, the pressed wood 3 A partial recovery of the thickness of 08 may occur after pressing. Therefore, the conventional method does not remove lignin. Compressed wood 308 has collapsed, as shown in the SEM images in Figures 3B and 3E-3F. The cell walls 304 are plagued by numerous gaps 310.

[0033] In contrast, according to the embodiments of the subject disclosed, compressed wood from which lignin has been partially removed. This completely disintegrates the internal cavity of natural wood, removes the spaces between cell walls, and prevents the cell walls from becoming too tightly connected. This allows for a unique, intertwined layered structure, resulting in excellent mechanical properties. It is possible. For example, wood 200 that has been chemically treated to partially remove lignin can be pre-treated. By doing so, as shown in Figure 4B, the wood cavity 202 and porous cell wall 204 It completely collapses. Due to the partial removal of lignin, the press has a significant reduction in thickness, for example The thickness is reduced by at least 5:2 (for example, by 70% to 80%), and the density is increased. It can be increased (for example, by about 3 times).

[0034] As shown in the SEM images in Figures 4C-4D, the previously hollow lumen 202 is now complete. It breaks down and forms a highly intertwined wood cell wall. Small in wood cell wall 204 Even holes are removed by compression. The compressed wood 210 is densely intertwined along its cross-section. Completely disintegrated wood cells densely packed along its length (i.e., direction 206). It has a unique microstructure with a wall. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4E, the cell wall 204 has a cellulose -Nanofiber 214 is similar to natural wood, but much denser (e.g.) For example, maintain a highly aligned state (along direction 206).

[0035] Chemical treatment and subsequent pressing result in adjacent cellulose nanofibers, as shown in Figure 4. Hydrogen bonds 216 are formed between the fibers 214. These hydrogen bonds 216 are in the compressed wood. It can actively contribute to improving the mechanical properties of the compressed wood 210. The intertwined microscale wood cell walls 204 are connected to cellulose nanofibers 214. This results in a high degree of alignment, and therefore dramatically increases the interface area between the nanofibers 214.

[0036] Due to the abundant hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecular chain, the densely packed wood cell walls 20 The relative sliding between the four points involves a great many cycles of hydrogen bond formation-breaking-reformation at the molecular scale. It is repeated. As a result, the total energy required to destroy compressed wood is the same as the energy required to destroy natural wood. It becomes significantly stronger than natural wood. Furthermore, the dense microstructure significantly reduces both the quantity and size of defects in compressed wood. Therefore, much higher strength can be obtained than with natural wood. Natural wood and compressed wood (for example) Table 1 below shows exemplary values ​​for the mechanical properties of basswood (with a lignin removal rate of 45%). vinegar.

[0037] The mechanical properties of compressed wood are not only superior to those of natural wood, but they are also widely used. The properties of the structural materials used (e.g., plastics, steel, and alloys) It is also superior. In fact, the demonstrated tensile strength of compressed wood is superior to that of conventional compressed wood, which does not remove lignin. Similar to shrink wood, ordinary plastics (e.g., nylon 6, polycarbonate, polysulfide) Its tensile strength is much higher than that of polyethylene and epoxy. Interestingly, compressed wood The significant increase in tensile strength is unaffected by the decrease in toughness. The inherent lightness of cellulose. It is at least 300 MPa cm 3 / g, for example, approximately 450 MPa cm 3 Compression by / g This gives wood its specific strength, which is the same as the specific strength of titanium alloys (for example, approximately 244 MPa). cm 3 Exceeding / g)

[0038] [Table 1]

[0039] Table 2 shows natural wood, deligninized wood without hot pressing (Sample 1), and deligninized wood. Compressed natural wood (Sample 2), and compressed wood (pressed after deligninization - Sample 3) The axial compressive strength (along the direction of extension of the lumen) is being compared. As is clear, the rig At least partial removal of the nin completely breaks down the lumen and entangles the cell walls. This is necessary, and as a result, the resulting compressed timber can achieve excellent strength and toughness. ru.

[0040] [Table 2]

[0041] However, the resulting mechanical properties of the compressed wood are different from those of the natural wood before pressing. It depends on how much lignin is removed. As reflected in the data in Table 3, The amount of gunin removed may be a function of time in the chemical solution. Figure 5B shows the rig at different levels. Stress-strain comparison between a compressed wood sample with nin removed and an unpressed natural wood sample. The curve is shown. Table 3 shows compressed wood samples with lignin removed at various levels and pressed... The composition and mechanical properties of the untreated natural wood samples are shown. See also Figure 5, similar to Table 3. In Figures A to 5B, NW refers to unpressed natural wood, and DW-x is the lignin removal rate. This refers to compressed wood with x, which indicates the lignicity. As is easily apparent from the data, 45% lignicity Compressed wood with lignin removed (for example, lignin content of 11.3% by weight) is the most effective for basswood. It has high strength and toughness, but other removal amounts are better suited to other types of wood or different applications. In some cases, it may be the case.

[0042] [Table 3]

[0043] The resulting density of the compressed wood is also reflected in the graph in Figure 5A, as the removed It is a function of the amount of lignin removed. When the lignin removal rate is less than 45%, the result is The density of compressed wood increases with the rate of lignin removal. This is due to at least three factors. This could be due to the following: Firstly, as more lignin is removed, more pores are created in the cell wall. Secondly, the cell walls of chemically treated wood are formed as the time spent in the chemical solution increases. It becomes softer, and the increase in that time is necessary to bring about the desired increase in lignin removal. Thirdly, the structure after chemical treatment retains at least some lignin as a binder. Therefore, it does not collapse. However, if lignin is removed in excess (for example, lig (When approximately 100% of the nin is removed), under pressure, as shown in the SEM image in Figure 5C. The wooden structure easily collapses, thus hindering its ability to increase structural density by pressing. It will be done.

[0044] [Table 4]

[0045] Results for specific types of wood are discussed in this specification and are shown in Tables 1-3 and Figures 5A-5B. However, similar results have been obtained for other types of wood or other plants (e.g., bamboo). It is possible. For example, Table 4 shows various types of natural wood and compressed wood (with lignin partially removed). The following are exemplary values ​​of the mechanical properties (removed). Therefore, the teachings of this disclosure are diverse. It is applicable to various plant species.

[0046] Compressed wood remains stable even under attack by moisture. For example, at 95% relative humidity (RH) When exposed to ) for 128 hours, compressed wood expands by approximately 8.4% in thickness and reaches 493.1 MPa. The tensile strength decreases slightly (for example, less than 20%), but this is due to the natural wood environment. It's still an order of magnitude greater than the tensile strength of the material.

[0047] Further protection of the properties of compressed wood from environmental factors or the introduction of new properties is necessary for post-pressure wood. This can be provided by modification 112. For example, compressed wood can be coated with oil-based paint or hydrophobic paint. By coating with a polymer coating, or by coating with a polymer coating, it becomes virtually immune to environmental moisture. In another example, the compressed wood 602 has its outer surface as shown in Figure 6A. It may have a heat-resistant coating 604 formed on 608. 4 enables the composite structure 600 to conduct heat 606 along the surface 608, and Therefore, the temperature rise inside the composite structure (i.e., compressed wood 602) is minimized or at least reduced. Reduce.

[0048] Coating 604 can function as a flame-retardant coating. In one embodiment, flame retardant The coating 604 is bonded to a BN nanosheet (for example, compressed wood 602) It may also be a boron nitride (BN) coating such as a layer of nanoparticles. Construction 600 is made of uncoated compressed wood 200 (614 in Figure 6B) or other materials. Compared to conventional structural materials, it offers at least tensile strength and a higher maximum operating temperature (612 in Figure 6B). In relation to this, excellent performance can be enjoyed. The critical temperature of compressed wood is a single point 61 Although indicated as 2, it is possible that it has a tensile strength of 600 MPa in the range of 300°C to 500°C. In another embodiment, the flame-retardant coating contains montmorillonite clay. Alternatively, Additionally, as mentioned above with respect to Figure 1, for example, hydrophobic, weather-resistant or corrosion-resistant, and resistant to To enhance chemical resistance or fire resistance, different surface treatments may be applied to compressed wood after processing. can.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, protection of the properties of compressed wood from environmental factors or introduction of new properties. This can be provided by prepress modification 108. For example, by further chemical treatment By adding functional materials such as nanoparticles or polymers to chemically treated wood, water resistance can be improved. The final compressed wood possesses properties such as corrosion resistance, weather resistance, chemical resistance, fire resistance, and / or other characteristics. It can be included.

[0050] In one embodiment, in order to provide superhydrophobicity to compressed wood, the inner surface of the chemically treated wood Nanoparticles can be formed on the outer surface. As used herein, superhydrophobic means It is defined as a static water contact angle (CA) greater than 150° and a dynamic roll angle less than 10°. Such superhydrophobicity improves the corrosion resistance of structural materials under humid conditions, thereby stabilizing them. This leads to improved properties and durability. In other embodiments, nanoparticles are used to reduce the amount of compressed wood. You can also introduce hydrophobicity to exhibit a static contact angle of 90° or a dynamic contact angle of less than 10°. For example, the nanoparticles could be SiO2 nanoparticles.

[0051] Similar to the other embodiments described above, the chemically treated wood is first treated with hemicellulose and ly Formed by partially removing gunin, the porous cell wall 704 and lumen 702 It remains. Next, the chemically treated wood 700 is applied to the inner surface of the wood 706 as shown in Figure 7A. Furthermore, it is subjected to further chemical treatments to induce in situ growth of nanoparticles 708 on the outer surface. For example, chemically treated wood 700 is tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyltrimethoxysilane (17F) A solution (for example, 3 ml of TEOS and 3 ml of NH3·H2 in 100 ml of ethanol) It can be immersed in 0 and 0.01 mL of 17F. Immersion is possible at high temperatures (e.g., 50°F). By performing the process at a low temperature (°C) for an extended period (e.g., 10 hours), modified SiO2 nanoparticles can be produced using the sol-gel method. It can form nanoparticles. For example, the diameter of a nanoparticle is approximately 100 nm. As a result of the formation process, the nanoparticles 708 are as shown in the SEM images in Figures 7C to 7D. This allows for uniform distribution on both the wood surface and the inside of the cavity 702.

[0052] Next, the treated wood 706 decorated with SiO2 nanoparticles 708 is heated (for example, at 100°C) By compressing the wood (by pressing it), a compressed wood structure 710, as shown in Figure 7B, can be obtained. By pressing, the space between the channel walls 704 is removed (or almost completely removed). Therefore, multiple intertwined layers 712 and cellulose nanofibers aligned within each layer A layered structure having ions is obtained. Despite being pressed, SiO2 nanoparticles remain. The offspring are held between the intertwined layers. Therefore, in situ growth of SiO2 nanoparticles is accompanied by Furthermore, the well-preserved micro / nano hierarchical structure imparts superhydrophobicity to the compressed wood 710. For example, compressed wood 710 can be made to have water placed on the surface 716 of the wood 710. With respect to drop 714, static and dynamic contact angles of 159.4° and 3° can be observed, respectively. Nanoparticle 708 can also provide resistance to acidic / alkaline conditions.

[0053] Superhydrophobicity can also provide anti-swelling properties to compressed wood. In particular, compressed wood 710 can withstand 24 hours When immersed in water for an extended period, it absorbs only a very small amount of water, resulting in an extremely low water content of approximately 1.8%. It exhibits high expansion efficiency. This suggests that compressed wood 710 strongly repels water. In general, natural wood expands considerably when exposed to the same conditions, for example, by 119%. Expansion efficiency is shown. The excellent hydrophobicity of compressed wood 710 is evident in wet or other undesirable conditions. Even when exposed to harsh outdoor environments, the dimensional stability and decay resistance of the wood remain. It can be significantly improved.

[0054] Furthermore, the nanoparticle treatment within the wood microstructure of compressed wood 710 improves the wear resistance of the treatment. Obtain. In the experiment, sandpaper (120 mesh) was applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the wood during compression. It is placed at the tangential part, and the resulting compressed wood 710 has a roughness of micrometer size. The initial static and dynamic contact angles of water on compressed wood were 159.2°, respectively. The angle is 3°. 10, 20, 30, and 40 sandpaper wear cycles. After that, the angles were 158.1° / 4.5°, 156.3° / 5.9°, and 152.9° / 7° respectively. Values ​​of 7° and 150.1° / 9° were obtained. The minimum decrease in static contact angle in each cycle. Because only (and a minimum increase in the dynamic contact angle) occurs, the hydrophobic treatment of compressed wood 710 is resistant It is clearly abrasive. The layered structure after compression consists of well-dispersed nano-SiO2 spheres. By enclosing the body, the nanoparticles are firmly fixed to the wood, resulting in robust superhydrophobicity. It is possible.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 8A, an exemplary method for forming a compressed wood structure from natural wood 802 The manufacturing process is shown. Natural wood 802 is used in sheets, sticks, strips, It may be wood in the form of bars, blocks, membranes, films, or any other shape. Natural wood The lumen within 802 may extend along direction 806. First step in the manufacturing process. 800 is, for example, in relation to 104 of process 100, as described above, within the chemical solution 804. This step involves immersing the natural wood 802 to partially remove lignin from the wood 802. The chemical solution 804 and the wood 802 immersed therein are contained within the housing 808. It may be permitted. In some embodiments, the housing 808 is a vacuum housing. Alternatively, the solution 804 and the wood 802 may be kept under vacuum during immersion. Additionally, the housing 808 or another component within it will allow the solution 804 to reach room temperature. It can be heated to a very high temperature. For example, solution 804 can be heated to a boil during chemical treatment 800. It may be heated.

[0056] After process 800, the chemically treated wood 816 is, for example, related to process 100 110. As mentioned above, in a direction that is nearly perpendicular to the extending direction 806, or slightly perpendicular to the extending direction 806 To press in a cross direction, from housing 808 to compression station 810 It may be transported to the upper platen 814 and the lower It may include a platen 818. Due to the relative motion between platens 814 and 818, The processed wood 816 is subjected to the desired compression, and compressed wood is produced. For example, The platen 814 maintains a stationary state in order to apply a compressive force 812 to the wood 816. It may move toward the lower platen 818 supporting the wood 816. Alternatively, the platen 81 Both 4 and 818 can move toward each other, thereby applying a compressive force 812.

[0057] In some embodiments, during compression, in order to raise the temperature of the wood 816 above room temperature, Alternatively or additionally, platens 814, 818 can be heated. The platens 814 and 818 do not need to be heated, but to raise the temperature of the wood 816 Therefore, a separate heating mechanism may be provided, or the environment including the compression station may be heated. That's fine.

[0058] Referring to Figure 8B, another example of forming a compressed wood structure from natural wood 832. The manufacturing process is shown. Natural wood 832 can be in the form of logs or cylindrical rods. The lumen extends in a direction perpendicular to the page. The first step 820 is, for example, the rotor Using the reeling lathe 834, cut the natural wood 832 for subsequent processing. A thin continuous layer 836 can be separated. The natural wood layer 836 is the next step in the manufacturing process. Step 830, for example, as described above with respect to step 104 of process 100, chemical solution 80 4. The wood 836 is carried to the housing 838 for the step of soaking the wood 802 or Lignin can be partially removed. Similar to housing 808, housing 8 38 may be configured to apply vacuum and / or heat during immersion. In this embodiment, the size of the housing 838 and the housing made of natural wood 832 The conveying speed of layer 836 through 838 can correspond to the desired immersion time for chemical treatment. Then, after a portion of layer 836 enters housing 838, for the compression station 840 The time until it leaves housing 838 is relative to the immersion time for the desired amount of lignin removal. They will likely comply.

[0059] After process 830, for example with respect to 110 of process 100, chemical treatment is performed as described above. The timber 848 is oriented in a direction that is nearly perpendicular to the direction of extension, or at least intersects the direction of extension. To be pressed in the direction of compression, it can be transported from the housing 838 to the compression station 840. For example, the compression station 840 includes an upper roller 844 and a lower roller 846. They can do so, and they can remain at a certain distance from each other. That certain distance is the chemical treatment The thickness of the processed wood may be less than 848, thereby resulting in compressed wood. A force of 842 is applied.

[0060] In some embodiments, during compression, the temperature of the wood 848 is raised above room temperature. One or both rollers 844, 846 can be heated. Alternatively or additionally Rollers 844 and 846 do not need to be heated, but to raise the temperature of the wood 848 A separate heating mechanism may be provided, or an environment including the compression station 840 may be added. It can be heated.

[0061] Although only two rollers 844 and 846 are shown in Figure 8B, the conveyance of the sheet 848... Multiple rollers can be arranged in series along the direction. Sheet 848 can be arranged in the desired cumulative direction. To provide a stacking time (for example, a few minutes or a few hours), the space between adjacent rollers It can be held under pressure for transport. Alternatively or additionally, roller 84 4. The size of 846 and the conveying speed of the sheet 848 can correspond to the desired compression time. So, from the moment sheet 848 is first compressed, compressed station as compressed wood 850 The time until the 840 is released will correspond to the desired pressing time. Of course, for example By cutting sheet 836 before or after chemical treatment 838, the compression station It is also possible to separate n840 from chemical treatment 838. In such a configuration, the compression The station can be in the form of a roller as shown in Figure 8B or flat as shown in Figure 8A. It can take the form of a flat platen.

[0062] Referring to Figure 8C, an exemplary fabrication for forming a compressed wood structure from natural wood 862. The process is shown. The natural wood 862 has a cavity that extends along direction 864. It may be in the form of a hollow cylinder. The first step 860 of the manufacturing process is, for example, As mentioned above regarding 104 of Seth 100, natural wood 862 is immersed in chemical solution 804. Thus, lignin can be partially removed from the wood 862. Chemical solution 804 and The wood 862, which is immersed in it, is subjected to a vacuum during immersion, similar to the housing 808 in Figure 8A. It may be configured to be applied and / or heated.

[0063] After process 860, the chemically treated wooden cylinder 868 is, for example, processed 100 of 110 As mentioned above, the extending direction 8 (perpendicular to the plane of the page in 807 of Figure 8C) Press in a direction nearly perpendicular to 64, or in a direction at least intersecting the extending direction 864. For this purpose, it can be transported from housing 866 to compression station 870. For example, the compression station The 870 is an upper roller 872 positioned on the outside of the cylinder 868, and the cylinder 868 It may include an inner lower roller 874. Rollers 872, 874 are When the walls of cylinder 868 pass through there, they can remain at a constant distance from each other. The distance may be less than the wall thickness of the chemically treated wood 868, thereby compressing the wood. A pressing force of 876 is applied to create a hollow cylinder.

[0064] In some embodiments, during compression, the temperature of the wood 868 is raised above room temperature. One or both rollers 872, 874 can be heated. Alternatively or additionally Rollers 872 and 874 do not need to be heated, but to raise the temperature of the wood 868 Alternatively, a separate heating mechanism may be provided, or the environment including the compression station 870 may be heated. It may also be used.

[0065] Figure 8C shows only two rollers 872 and 874, but multiple rollers can be used in a circle. They can be arranged in series around the cylinder 868. The walls of the cylinder 868 are for a desired cumulative compression time Transported between adjacent rollers to provide (for example, a few minutes or a few hours) Sometimes it may be maintained under pressure. Alternatively or additionally, rollers 872, 874 The rotational speed of the cylinder 868 may correspond to a desired compression time.

[0066] Refer to Figure 8D, which shows an exemplary fabrication for forming a compressed wood structure from natural wood 882. The process is shown. The natural wood 882 has a cavity that extends along direction 884. , it may be in the form of a solid cylinder. The first step 880 of the manufacturing process is, for example, process As mentioned above with respect to S100104, natural wood 882 is immersed in chemical solution 804. Lignin can be partially removed from wood 882. Chemical solution 804 and The wood 882, which is immersed inside, provides a vacuum during immersion, similar to the housing 808 in Figure 8A. It may be housed within the housing 866, which may be configured to do and / or heat stomach.

[0067] After process 880, the chemically treated wood cylinder 886 is, for example, processed 110 of process 100. As mentioned above, the extending direction 88 (perpendicular to the page plane in 890 of Figure 8) How to press in a direction that is nearly perpendicular to 4, or at least intersects the extending direction 884 It can be transported from Zing 866 to compression station 890. For example, compression station 8 90 may include a single roller 888 positioned on the outside of the cylinder 886, and this The roller is supported and rotatable about its central axis. Roller 888 rotates At that time, it can remain at a certain distance from the wall of cylinder 886, thereby compressing the wood A pressing force of 892 is applied to create a solid cylinder.

[0068] In some embodiments, during compression, the temperature of the wood 886 is raised above room temperature. The roller 888 can be heated. Alternatively or additionally, the roller 888 is heated. Although not necessary, a separate heating mechanism may be provided to raise the temperature of the wood 886. Alternatively, the environment including the compression station 890 may be heated.

[0069] Figure 8D shows only a single roller 888, but multiple rollers are shown in cylinder 886 They can be arranged in series around the cylinder 886. The cylinder 886 has a desired cumulative compression time (e.g., several Under pressure when conveyed between adjacent rollers (for minutes or several hours) It can be maintained. Alternatively or additionally, the size of the roller 888 and the cylinder 8 The rotational speed of 86 can correspond to the desired compression time. In yet another alternative form, the cylinder 886 is Instead of the compression station 890 having rollers 888, as shown in Figure 8E They may also be pressed by the compression belt 894 of the compression station 895. In this configuration, the cylinder 886 may remain stationary rather than rotating.

[0070] The shapes and manufacturing techniques of specific types of wood are shown in Figures 8A to 8E, but one or more intentions Depending on the embodiment, other shapes (solid or hollow) and manufacturing techniques are also possible. Furthermore, the shape and manufacturing techniques of the wood are not limited to those specifically shown. The stations, as well as prepress and postpress modifications, are shown in Figures 8A to 8E. Although not disclosed, these techniques, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, It can be easily modified to include prepress and / or postpress corrections.

[0071] When chemically treated wood pieces are compressed to form compressed wood, for example, process 100 As mentioned above regarding 114, further processing (i.e., machining) is required in preparation for final use. (or modifications) can be applied. For example, compressed wood 902 can be made as shown in Figure 9A. It can be installed in the bending setup 900. Compressed wood 902 is bent by the bending tool 904 ( For example, a cylindrical rod) is placed on the support 906 while being pressed against its upper surface. This is also good. By maintaining pressure through the bending tool 904 for a certain period of time, for example, Figure 9B A curved compressed wood such as the curved compressed wood 910 or the curved compressed wood 912 in Figure 9C, as desired. Profile 908 can be guided to compressed wood 902. Alternatively or additionally, Compressed wood can be subjected to conventional machining techniques. For example, Figure 9D shows a machined section. It shows a set up 920, where a press 922 with a drill bit 924 is shown. Use to create through holes 928 in the compressed wood piece 926, as shown in Figure 9E. One or more According to the intended embodiment, other types of post-press modifications and / or machining It is also possible.

[0072] In the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, cellulose of natural wood is processed by chemical treatment and pressing. This maintains the alignment of nanofibers, and therefore results in the anisotropic mechanical properties of compressed wood. Furthermore, in a tensile test of compressed wood in a direction perpendicular to the alignment of the fibers, a tensile strength of 45.1 MPa was observed. A degree of strength is obtained. This is much lower than the strength along the alignment direction of the fibers, but is of natural wood. It is much higher than the lateral strength (e.g., 5.7 MPa). It reduces anisotropy (and Compressed pieces can be bonded together in a laminated structure to improve mechanical properties. .

[0073] Referring to Figure 10A, a generalized method for forming and using laminated structures of compressed wood. Process 1000 is shown. Similar to process 100 in Figure 1, process 1000 is , cutting 102, chemical treatment 104 to remove sufficient lignin 106, and thereafter Pressing the processed wood 110 may be included. These initial processes are 1002 Repeatedly, multiple individual compressed pieces of wood are produced.

[0074] Once a sufficient number of compressed wood pieces are prepared, process 1000 can proceed to 1004. Therefore, the compressed wood pieces are optionally surface-treated. In some embodiments, compressed wood The pieces are joined together using an adhesive or epoxy. In such embodiments, Reference numeral 1004 includes the step of applying adhesive or epoxy to the opposing surfaces of the compressed wood pieces. This is possible. In other embodiments, the final hydrogen bonds between opposing surfaces of the compressed wood pieces make them It is sufficient to hold them together, in which case preparation 1004 can be omitted.

[0075] Process 1000 can proceed to 1006, where the compressed wood pieces are ready for joining. They are arranged accordingly. Each compressed wood piece can have its own orientation, which is, It corresponds to the direction in which its lumen extends before pressing. Thus, alignment 1006 is wood Arrange the compressed wood pieces so that at least a portion of each piece is oriented in a different direction from the others. It may include steps. For example, Figure 11A shows compressed wood having a first orientation 1103. The first piece 1102 and the second piece 110 of compressed wood having a second orientation 1105 Figure 11B shows a set of laminates 1100 having 4. When joined as 1106, the first orientation 1103 becomes perpendicular to the second orientation 1105. The first piece 1102 and the second piece 1104 can be placed there.

[0076] The tensile strength of the compressed wood laminate in Figure 11B along the two perpendicular wood fiber directions is approximately the same. (For example, 221.6±20MPa and 225.6±18MPa, respectively) Compressed wood (e.g., 43.3 ± 2 MPa) or natural wood (e.g., 5.1 ± 0.4 MPa) The strength in the T direction (i.e., perpendicular to the wood fiber direction) of a single piece is significantly greater than that of a) expensive.

[0077] In other embodiments, the orientation of the joined compressed wood pieces is not perpendicular to each other. For example Figure 11D shows another set of laminates 1110, but here the first compressed wood Piece 1112 has a first orientation 1113 that is different from that in Figure 11A. In particular, Figure 11E As shown, when the first piece 1112 is joined to the second piece 1104, the plan view is In this arrangement, the orientation 1113 of the first piece intersects with the orientation 1105 of the second piece. To point.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11C, multiple sets 1100 are joined together to form each piece of compressed wood. The multilayer 1106 laminated structure is such that each piece has an orientation rotated 90° relative to the adjacent piece. It can be formed. Similarly, as shown in Figure 11F, multiple sets 1110 can be formed together. When joined, each piece of compressed wood has an orientation different from that of the adjacent piece, and / Alternatively, each layer may have a composite orientation different from the composite orientation of the adjacent layer, multilayer 1116, A 1118 layered structure can be formed.

[0079] A specific number of compressed wood pieces for the laminated structure are shown in Figures 11A to 11F, but one According to the embodiments described above, other numbers of compressed wood pieces are also possible. Furthermore, Figure 11A Although a rectangular shape is shown in Figure 11F, according to one or more intended embodiments Other shapes are also possible. Furthermore, beyond the orientations and alignments shown in Figures 11A to 11F Other orientations and alignments are also possible according to one or more intended embodiments. In this embodiment, for example, the orientation of adjacent wood pieces can be aligned to increase anisotropy. can.

[0080] Returning to Figure 10A, after alignment 1006, process 1000 can proceed to 1008. Therefore, for example, by adhesive / epoxy or hydrogen bonding, the aligned compressed wood pieces are They are joined together. In embodiments where hydrogen bonding is used, the joint 1008 forms the compressed wood pieces. Similar to the presses used to create the pieces, a press presses together aligned pieces under high pressure. It may include steps. Once joined and a laminated structure is formed, process 1000 proceeds to 1010. It can proceed, and there the lamination is (for example, as described above with respect to process 100 114) (so as) adapted to the application and / or (for example, with respect to process 100 and 116) (As mentioned above) it is used.

[0081] Figure 10A shows the formation of compressed wood pieces before joining, but the embodiments of the subject disclosed are not limited to this. It is not determined. Rather, in other embodiments, the joining of the wood pieces is done by pre-compressing the wood pieces. It may be combined with S. Figure 10B shows such a process 1050. Similar to process 100, process 1050 removes sufficient lignin 106. Cutting 102 and chemical treatment 104, and then pressing 110 of the treated wood These initial processes are repeated in 1052, and multiple chemically treated processes are included. Generates individual pieces of wood.

[0082] Once a sufficient number of chemically treated wood pieces are prepared, process 1050 proceeds to 1054. This allows chemically treated wood pieces to be placed there as preparation for joining. Each processed piece of wood can have its own orientation, which is due to the extension of the lumen. It corresponds to the direction. Therefore, alignment 1054 is shown in Figures 10A and 11A to 11F. As mentioned above, at least some of the wood pieces have different orientations from each other. The process may include the step of arranging chemically treated pieces of wood.

[0083] After alignment 1054, process 1050 can proceed to 1056, where it is aligned and transformed The treated wood pieces are pressed together. Press 1056 compresses each wood piece (immediately). It is effective in producing compressed wood pieces, and in forming hydrogen bonds between opposing surfaces of the wood pieces. Therefore, press 1056 simultaneously compresses and joins wood pieces to create a laminated structure. Formed. Further formed by repeating cutting, chemical treatment, alignment, and pressing at 1058. A layer can be added to the laminate. Otherwise, process 1050 proceeds to 1060. Proceed, and as with process 1000, adapt the laminate to the application and / or use it. It is possible.

[0084] Rinsing, prepress corrections, and postpress corrections are shown separately in Figures 10A and 10B. Although not shown, these embodiments, like process 100 in Figure 1, involve rinsing and pre-pressing. It should be understood that this may also include revisions and / or post-press revisions.

[0085] In some embodiments, the laminated structure consists of multiple wood chips having different fiber orientations. It can be formed from p. For example, Figure 12A shows the product of compressed wood from individual wood chips 1202. This illustrates an exemplary manufacturing process for forming a layered structure. Individual wood chips 1202 , each having orientation 1204 corresponding to the direction of extension of the lumen and / or the direction of fiber alignment. It is possible. Similar to process 100 described above, the wood chips 1202 are made from lignin. It is chemically treated to remove fractions, and then assembled into a multilayer structure via 1206. Chemically modified wood chip assemblies can be oriented, for example, as shown in Figures 11A to 1. They are orthogonal as shown in 1B, intersecting as shown in Figures 11D-11E, or The orientation 1204 of the chip 1202 can be taken into consideration for alignment. The orientation 1204 may be random within the multilayer array. Then, the multilayer structure 1210 By pressing, a multilayer laminate 1212 of compressed wood chips can be formed. The compressed wood chips can be held in place by hydrogen bonds formed during pressing 1210.

[0086] In some embodiments, the laminated structure consists of wood sheets with different fiber orientations and multiple layers. It can be formed from a number of wood chips. For example, Figure 12B shows a product made from individual wood chips 1202. An example of forming a laminate of compressed wood using a pair of wood sheets 1220, 1224. The manufacturing process is shown. Individual wood chips 1202 are in the direction of extension of the lumen and / or Each of them may have orientations 1204 corresponding to the fiber alignment direction. Similarly, wood sheet 1 220 and 1224 correspond to the direction of extension of the lumen and / or the direction of alignment of the fibers within it. They may have orientations 1222 and 1226, respectively.

[0087] Similar to process 100 above, wood sheets 1220, 1224 and wood chips 12 02 is chemically treated to partially remove lignin, and then wood chips 1202 are used. It can be placed between parts 1220 and 1224 and assembled into a multilayer structure via 1228. Yes, it is possible. The assembly takes into account the orientation of sheets 1220, 1224 and chip 1202. This is possible. For example, at least the orientation 1204 of the chip 1202 is as shown in Figures 11A to 11. Arrange them so that they are orthogonal as in B, intersect as in Figures 11D to 11E, or are aligned. It can be placed 1228. Alternatively, at least the orientation 1204 of the chip 1202 is The multilayer array may be random. In another embodiment, at least the sheet orientation 122 2. Lines 1, 2, and 2 are orthogonal as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, and intersect as shown in Figures 11D and 11E. The pieces can be arranged 1228 to do or to align. In such an example, the wood The orientation 1204 of the chips 1202 can be aligned in accordance with at least one orientation of the sheets 1220 and 1224, or independently of the orientation of the sheets. For example, the orientations of 1220 and 1224 may be orthogonal to each other, while the orientation 1204 of the chips 1202 may be substantially random.

[0088] Then, the multilayer structure 1230 is pressed at 1232 to form a multilayer laminate 1234 of compressed wood Adjacent pieces of compressed wood are held together during pressing 1232 by hydrogen bonds formed therein. Although three layers of wood chips 1202 are shown between the wood sheets 1220 and 1224, it is also possible to provide fewer or additional layers of wood chips, for example, a single layer of wood chips or more than three layers of wood chips. Furthermore , embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the specific numbers and arrangements of sheets and chips shown in FIGS. 12A to 12B. For example, the laminate 1234 may have a compressed sheet 1224 of one unit 1234 that is bonded to the compressed sheet 1220 of an adjacent unit 1234 and may include layered units of a multilayer structure bonded in this manner. In another example, the multilayer laminated structure may include repeating steps of layering sheets 1220 (or sheets 1224) with intervening layers of wood chips 1202 and may include such repeating steps.

[0089] The process of FIGS. 12A to 12B can result in a continuous wooden structure with low anisotropy (e.g., compressed wood board 1212 or compressed wood board 12 34) due to random or aligned arrangement of orientations. Accordingly, small wood chips differing in size and orientation from each other can be combined into a wood product with higher density. In fact, such a laminated structure can combine small wood chips of different sizes and orientations to produce a denser wood product. Indeed, such a laminated structure It is easily expandable for use in a variety of applications and / or in various sizes.

[0090] Rinsing, pre-press correction, and post-press correction are shown separately in Figures 12A and 12B. Although not shown, these embodiments, like process 100 in Figure 1, involve rinsing and pre-preparing. It will be understood that this may also include revisions and / or post-press revisions. A specific number of compressed wood chips or sheets for the laminated structure are shown in Figures 12A and 12B. However, according to one or more intended embodiments, a number of other compressed wood chips or sheets are used. It is also possible to do this. Furthermore, although the rectangular shape is shown in Figures 12A and 12B, one or more Other shapes are also possible according to the intended embodiment described above. In fact, wood chips are laminated structures Before being joined together in the structure, they may have irregular or different shapes / sizes. Furthermore, one In accordance with the intended embodiments described above, the orientation and alignment shown in Figures 12A to 12B are exceeded. Other orientations and alignments are also possible. In some embodiments, for example, anisotropy can be increased. To do this, the orientation of adjacent pieces (wood chips 1202 or sheets 1220, 1224) ) can be aligned.

[0091] In one or more first embodiments, the structure is chemically treated to partially remove lignin. On the other hand, the structure of the cellulosic lumen is substantially preserved, and furthermore, the lumen is at least partially preserved. A first piece of natural plant material is pressed in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the lumen, so as to collapse. Includes.

[0092] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the natural plant material is natural wood.

[0093] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is made of natural wood with a ratio It has a thickness in the first direction that is reduced by at least 10% compared to the first embodiment. In any other embodiment, the first piece is at least 30 compared to the thickness of natural wood. Having a thickness in the first direction that is reduced by %. First embodiment or any other embodiment So, the first piece is at least 60% thinner compared to the thickness of natural wood. It has thickness in the direction. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is , having a thickness in the first direction that is reduced by at least 70% compared to the thickness of natural wood. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is made of natural wood with a thickness equal to the ratio It has a thickness in the first direction that is reduced by at least 80% compared to the previous one.

[0094] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is at least some It retains lignin. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, in natural plant material 1% to 99% of the lignin was removed by chemical treatment. First embodiment or any other In this embodiment, 5% to 95% of the lignin in the natural plant material was removed by chemical treatment.

[0095] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, 23% of the lignin in the natural plant material 60% was removed by chemical treatment. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, One piece retains approximately 55% of the lignin from the natural plant material after chemical processing.

[0096] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the opposite of the collapsed lumen in the first piece The parts that do this are held together by hydrogen bonds.

[0097] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is a natural plant before chemical treatment Compared with the material, the tensile strength, bending strength, ductility, fracture toughness, scratch hardness, hardness coefficient, impact toughness, compressive strength and / or elastic stiffness are increased.

[0098] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the tensile strength of the first piece is higher than that of the untreated natural plant material before chemical treatment by at least 2 times. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the tensile strength of the first piece is higher than that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment by at least 5 times. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece has a tensile strength of at least 350 MPa.

[0099] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the ductility of the first piece is higher than that before chemical treatment equal to or at least 10 times greater than that of the natural plant material. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the ductility of the first piece is higher than that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment by at least 50 times.

[0100] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the fracture toughness of the first piece is higher than that before chemical treatment by at least 2 times that of the natural plant material. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the fracture toughness of the first piece is higher than that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment by at least 5 times.

[0101] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the elastic stiffness of the first piece is higher than that before chemical treatment by at least 5 times that of the natural plant material. In the first embodiment or any In other embodiments, the elastic stiffness of the first piece is less than the elastic stiffness of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It's at least 10 times larger.

[0102] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the scratch hardness of the first piece is chemical The scratch hardness is at least 5 times greater than that of the natural plant material before treatment. First embodiment or In any other embodiment, the scratch hardness of the first piece is the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It is at least 10 times greater than the scratch hardness.

[0103] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the impact toughness of the first piece is determined by chemical treatment. The impact toughness is at least 2.5 times greater than that of the previous natural plant material. In other embodiments, the impact toughness of the first piece is the impact toughness of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It is at least five times larger than the sex.

[0104] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the hardness coefficient of the first piece is determined by chemical treatment. The hardness coefficient is at least 5 times greater than that of the previous natural plant material. First embodiment or any In other embodiments, the hardness coefficient of the first piece is less than the hardness coefficient of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It's at least 10 times larger.

[0105] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the bending of the first piece along the extending direction. The strength is at least five times greater than the bending strength of the natural plant material before chemical treatment, in the ductile direction. The bending strength of the vertical first piece is less than that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It's five times bigger.

[0106] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the bending of the first piece along the extending direction. The strength is a first multiple greater than the bending strength of the natural plant material before chemical treatment, and in the direction of extension. The bending strength of the first piece perpendicular to the material is greater than that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It is the second multiple, and the second multiple is greater than the first multiple. First embodiment or any In other embodiments, the bending strength of the first piece along the extension direction is that of a natural plant before chemical treatment. The bending strength of the first piece perpendicular to the direction of extension is at least five times greater than the bending strength of the material. Its flexural strength is at least 10 times greater than that of natural plant material before chemical treatment.

[0107] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, compression of the first piece along the extending direction The strength is at least five times greater than the compressive strength of the natural plant material before chemical treatment, and in the direction of extension. The compressive strength of the vertical first piece is less than that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It's five times bigger.

[0108] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, compression of the first piece along the extending direction The strength is a first multiple greater than the compressive strength of the natural plant material before chemical treatment, and in the direction of extension. The compressive strength of the first piece perpendicular to the material is greater than that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. It is the second multiple, and the second multiple is greater than the first multiple. The first embodiment or any other In this embodiment, the compressive strength of the first piece along the extension direction is the same as that of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. The compressive strength of the first piece perpendicular to the extension direction is at least 5 times greater than the compressive strength of the material. It is at least 30 times greater than the compressive strength of natural plant material before chemical treatment.

[0109] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is a natural plant before chemical treatment. The density is increased compared to the material. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, The density of the first piece is at least 1.5 times greater than the density of the natural plant material before chemical treatment. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the density of the first piece is before chemical treatment. It is at least twice as dense as natural plant materials.

[0110] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is 300 MPa cm 3 It has a specific tensile strength greater than / g. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, The first piece is approximately 450 MPa cm 3 It has a specific tensile strength of / g.

[0111] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the cellulose nanofibers of the collapsed lumen The bars are substantially aligned along the direction of extension.

[0112] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is, in a cross-sectional view, inside There are virtually no gaps between the walls of the cavity.

[0113] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the natural plant material includes bamboo or natural wood. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, natural wood includes hardwood or softwood. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, natural wood is basswood, oak, and porcelain. Plastic, ash, alder, aspen, balsa wood, beech, birch, cherry, butter Nut, chestnut, cocobolo, elm, hickory, maple, oak, padauk, plum, walnut Lunut, willow, yellow poplar, bald cypress, cedar, cypress, Douglas fir, fir, bay Among hemlock, larch, pine, redwood, spruce, tamarak, juniper, and yew It includes at least one of the following.

[0114] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the structure further comprises a cellulose-based lumen. While substantially preserving the structure, the extension of the lumen so that the lumen collapses at least partially. While applying further pressing in directions intersecting the direction, lignin is partially removed by chemical treatment. It includes a second piece of natural wood. The first piece and the second piece are aligned with each other along their opposing surfaces. The lumen of the first piece is connected to the lumen of the second piece, for example in a plan view. It intersects with the direction of extension.

[0115] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the direction of extension of the lumen of the first piece is the The direction is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the lumen of the two pieces.

[0116] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece and the second piece are: They are bonded to each other by hydrogen bonds between their opposing surfaces. (First embodiment or any other) In this embodiment, the first piece and the second piece are bonded together by an adhesive between their opposing surfaces. They are bonded together by epoxy.

[0117] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece and the second piece are Each is a flat sheet, block, stick, strip, hollow shape, film, 20mm thick. It is formed as a thin film less than 0 μm thick, wood chips, or wood flakes.

[0118] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the structure forms a multilayer laminated structure. Multiple additional first pieces and joined together with the first and second pieces. It also includes a second piece.

[0119] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is a collapsed lumen and / or includes non-natural particles incorporated within the outer surface of the first piece. First embodiment or In any other embodiment, the non-natural particles include hydrophobic nanoparticles. In other embodiments, the nanoparticles include SiO2 nanoparticles. First embodiment or optional In other embodiments, non-natural particles make the first piece hydrophobic. In any other embodiment, the first piece has a static contact angle of at least 90°, or 1 It has a dynamic contact angle of less than 0°. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first The piece has a static contact angle greater than 150° and a dynamic contact angle less than 5°.

[0120] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is made hydrophobic. It is chemically treated. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, hydrophobic chemical treatment is performed. epoxy resin, silicone oil, polyurethane, paraffin emulsion, acetic anhydride Octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorode Siltriethoxysilane, fluoroesine, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), meta Kryloxymethyltrimethylsilane (MSi), polyhedral oligomer silsesquioxane (POSS), potassium methyl siliconate (PMS), dodecyl (trimethoxy)silicone (DTMS), hexamethyldisiloxane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, tetraethoxy Sisilane, methyltrichlorosilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane Lan, trimethylchlorosilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane Lan, propyltrimethoxysilane, polymethyl methacrylate, polydiallyldimethyl Ammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl Methacrylate (MPS, hydrophobic stearic acid, amphiphilic fluorinated triblock azidocosa Polymers, polyvinylidene fluoride and silane fluoride, n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane It comprises at least one of the following: , and sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0121] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is weather or saltwater resistant. It is chemically treated to be able to do so. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, Chemical treatment in weathering or saline solution involves CDDC, ammonia copper quaternary (ACQ), and chromium. Copper arsenate (CCA), ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA), copper naphthenate, acidic chromium Copper oxide, copper citrate, copper azole, 8-hydroxyquinoline copper, pentachlorophenol, Zinc naphthenate, copper naphthenate, creosote, titanium dioxide, propiconazole, tetracycline Conazole, cyproconazole, boric acid, borax, organic iodide (IPBC), and N a2B8O 13 • Contains at least one of the 4H2O molecules.

[0122] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the structure is one or more of the first pieces. Further includes coating the outer surface. In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, Coatings include oil-based paints, hydrophobic paints, polymer coatings, or fire-resistant coatings. Includes . In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the fire-resistant coating is nitrided. Boron, montmorillonite clay, hydrotalcite, silicon dioxide (SiO2), silica Sodium phosphate, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), amethystamine sulfate Aluminum, iron sulfate, zinc borate, boric acid, borax, triphenyl phosphate (TPP), Lamin, polyurethane, ammonium polyphosphate, phosphoric acid, phosphate ester, ammonium phosphate Monium, ammonium sulfate, phosphonic acid, diammonium phosphate (DAP), diammonium phosphate Ammonium hydrogen, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), guanylurea phosphate (GUP), It contains at least one of guanidine dihydrogen phosphate and antimony pentoxide.

[0123] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the first piece is contained in (for example, It contains polymers (within a lumen that is completely or partially disintegrated).

[0124] In the first embodiment or any other embodiment, the lumen within the first piece collapses completely. It is.

[0125] In one or more second embodiments, the method involves extending a cellulose-based material in a first direction. Natural plant material pieces are used to partially remove lignin while substantially maintaining the structure of the lumen. The steps involve treating with a chemical solution, and after treatment, ensuring that the lumen is at least partially disintegrated. Chemically treated plant material pieces are subjected to a first time period in a second direction intersecting a first direction. This includes the step of doing so.

[0126] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the natural plant material is natural wood.

[0127] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the press is performed at a temperature of 20°C to 120°C. The procedure is carried out at a pressure of 0.5 MPa to 10 MPa. Second embodiment or any other embodiment In this configuration, the pressing is carried out at a temperature of approximately 100°C and a pressure of approximately 5 MPa.

[0128] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the first time is at least 5 minutes. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the first time is at least 1 hour. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the first time is at least 12 hours. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the first time is at least 24 hours. ru.

[0129] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, compression is performed from chemically treated plant material. It is at least effective in removing water.

[0130] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the press is performed without an intermediate drying step. This will be executed after processing.

[0131] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the chemical solution is NaOH, Na2S, N aHSO3, SO2, H2O, Na2SO3, anthraquinone (AQ), Na2S n (n (where is an integer), CH3OH, C2H5OH, C4H9OH, HCOOH, NH3, p-TsO H, NH3-H2O, H2O2, NaClO, NaClO2, CH3COOH (acetic acid), A second embodiment or any other comprising ClO2 and at least one of Cl2. In the first embodiment, the chemical solution comprises a mixture of NaOH and Na2SO3. Second embodiment Or, in any other embodiment, the chemical solution is 2.5 M NaOH and 0.4 M Na Contains 2SO3. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the chemical solution is boiling. ru.

[0132] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method is used before pressing and after processing. The chemically treated plant material pieces are immersed in a solvent to remove any residue of the chemical solution in the pieces. Further includes a step. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the solvent is boiled and deionized. (DI) Contains water.

[0133] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the processing step is to process natural plant material pieces. The second embodiment or any In other embodiments, the process involves immersing pieces of natural plant material in a chemical solution for at least one hour. Includes a chip. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, natural plant material chips are used in a chemical solution. Immerse in for 0.1 to 72 hours. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment The process is carried out under vacuum so that the chemical solution penetrates into the lumen of the natural plant material piece.

[0134] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, less hemicellulose and lignin At least some of it is held by the piece after processing. Second embodiment or any other In this embodiment, 1% to 99% of the lignin is removed from the piece by the process. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the treatment removes 5% to 95% of the lignin. It has been removed from the marked piece.

[0135] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the chemically treated plant material pieces are pressed. The internal lumen completely collapses.

[0136] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method involves placing the polymer in the lumen before pressing. The process further includes a step of introducing the polymer into the plant material (for example, partially) after pressing. It is placed in the (completely collapsed lumen).

[0137] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method is to press one of the pieces after pressing. The further step includes coating one or more outer surfaces. A second embodiment or any other In the embodiment, the coating is an oil-based paint, a hydrophobic paint, a polymer coating, or Includes a fire-resistant coating. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, a fire-resistant coating The ting is made of boron nitride, montmorillonite clay, hydrotalcite, and silicon dioxide. SiO2), sodium silicate, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), aluminum hydroxide ( Al(OH)3), magnesium hydroxide, (Mg(OH)2), magnesium carbonate (Mg CO3), aluminum sulfate, iron sulfate, zinc borate, boric acid, borax, triphenyl phosphate (TPP), melamine, polyurethane, ammonium polyphosphate, phosphoric acid, phosphate Tel, ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, phosphonic acid, diammonium phosphate (D AP), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), guanylic phosphate At least one of urea (GUP), guanidine dihydrogen phosphate, and antimony pentoxide Includes one.

[0138] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method involves pressing multiple non-tentacles before pressing. The process further includes the step of depositing natural particles on the inner surface of the lumen, and after pressing, the non-natural particles disintegrate. It is incorporated into the lumen. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the non-natural particles are It contains hydrophobic nanoparticles. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the nanoparticles are Si Contains O2 nanoparticles.

[0139] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, non-natural particles are chemically treated plant The material piece is made hydrophobic. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, after pressing, The chemically treated plant material pieces have a static contact angle of at least 90°, or a dynamic contact angle of less than 10°. It has antennae. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, it is chemically treated after pressing. The wood pieces have a static contact angle greater than 150° and a dynamic contact angle less than 5°.

[0140] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method makes the plant material hydrophobic after processing. To achieve this, the procedure further includes the step of subjecting the chemically treated plant material to further chemical treatment. In two or other embodiments, the treatment to make the product hydrophobic is performed before (b). This can be done. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the hydrophobic chemical treatment is performed by epoxy resin, silicone oil, polyurethane, paraffin emulsion, acetic anhydride, octa Decyltrichlorosilane (OTS), 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltri Ethoxysilane, fluoroesine, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), methacrylo Xymethyltrimethylsilane (MSi), polyhedral oligomer silsesquioxane (POS S), potassium methyl siliconate (PMS), dodecyl (trimethoxy)silane (DT MS), hexamethyldisiloxane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane methyltrichlorosilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, rimethylchlorosilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, propyltrimethoxysilane, polymethyl methacrylate, polydiallyldimethylammoni um chloride (polyDADMAC), 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacryla te (MPS, hydrophobic stearic acid, amphiphilic fluorinated triblock azide copolymer , polyvinylidene fluoride and fluorinated silane, n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane, and may comprise at least one selected from sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0141] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method comprises partially removing lignin after the treatment, subjecting the chemically treated wood to a further chemical treatment to improve weather resistance or resistance to salt water. The method further comprises the step of improving. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the weather resistance or salt water-resistant chemical treatment comprises at least one selected from CDDC, ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ), chromated copper arsenate (CCA), ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA), copper naphthenate, acid copper chromate, copper citrate, copper azole, copper 8-hydroxyquinolinate, pentachlorophenol, naphthe ne zinc, copper naphthenate, creosote, titanium dioxide, propiconazole, tebuconazo le, cyproconazole, boric acid, borax, organic iodide (IPBC), and Na2B 8O 13 ·4H2O.

[0142] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the cellulose nanofibe rs in collapsed lumens are substantially aligned along a first direction. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment In an embodiment, after pressing, in cross-section, the piece is substantially free of gaps between lumen walls .

[0143] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the natural plant material includes bamboo or natural wood. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the natural wood includes hardwood or softwood. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the natural wood is basswood, oak, and porcelain. Plastic, ash, alder, aspen, balsa wood, beech, birch, cherry, butter Nut, chestnut, cocobolo, elm, hickory, maple, oak, padauk, plum, walnut Lunut, willow, yellow poplar, bald cypress, cedar, cypress, Douglas fir, fir, bay Among hemlock, larch, pine, redwood, spruce, tamarak, juniper, and yew It includes at least one of the following.

[0144] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, compared to the natural wood before processing, pressing Furthermore, the tensile strength, bending strength, ductility, fracture toughness, scratch hardness, hardness coefficient, and impact of the aforementioned piece are determined. At least one of the following is increased: toughness, compressive strength, and elastic stiffness.

[0145] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, after pressing, the piece is treated before processing. A density at least twice as high as that of natural wood, compared to the thickness of the untreated natural plant material. It has a thickness in a second direction that is reduced by at least 60%. Second embodiment or any In other embodiments, the thickness of the piece after pressing is less than the thickness of the natural wood. It will also decrease by 70%.

[0146] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the press is made between the opposing portions of the collapsed lumen. The process includes the step of forming hydrogen bonds.

[0147] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the piece is a flat sheet, block Sticks, strips, films, thin films, hollow shapes, wood chips, or wood flakes It is formed as follows. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the thin film is 200 μm or less It has the following thickness.

[0148] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method repeats the process of removing lignin. The process involves repeating the steps and compressing one or more additional pieces of natural plant material, resulting in The process further includes the step of binding together compressed, chemically treated plant material pieces.

[0149] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, a small amount of compressed and chemically treated plant material is used. At the very least, the first orientation of each of some connecting pieces (for example, in a plan view) is relative to each other. They intersect. In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the first intersecting directions are relative to each other. They are orthogonal.

[0150] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the bond is a hydrogen bond between opposing surfaces. Therefore, the step of further pressing together the pressed and chemically treated plant material pieces is include.

[0151] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, each of the following is used to partially remove lignin After processing, the chemically treated pieces are positioned in contact with other chemically treated pieces. The press is then applied to bond them together. This is performed simultaneously on pieces that are positioned in a certain way.

[0152] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the bond is made of chemically treated plant material pieces. The process includes the step of applying an adhesive or epoxy to the opposing surfaces.

[0153] In the second embodiment or any other embodiment, the method involves chemically treating the plant after pressing. Machining of material pieces or forming chemically treated plant material pieces into a desired shape or configuration. This further includes the following steps.

[0154] In one or more third embodiments, the structure has gaps between the cell walls of the lumen in a cross-sectional view. It contains compressed wood fragments with no intervening spaces and whose internal cavities have completely collapsed.

[0155] In the third embodiment or any other embodiment, the compressed wood pieces are in a ratio of at least 5:2 It is compressed. In the third embodiment or any other embodiment, the compressed wood pieces are approximately 5:1 It is compressed at the ratio of .

[0156] In the third embodiment or any other embodiment, the compressed wood piece forms the piece Contains less lignin than natural wood used for this purpose. Third embodiment or any other In this embodiment, the compressed wood piece contains 1% to 99% of the lignin in the natural wood. In the application form or any other embodiment, the compressed wood piece contains 5% to 9% of the lignin in the natural wood. It contains 5%. In the third embodiment or any other embodiment, the compressed wood pieces contain 1% to 25% It contains % lignin. In the third embodiment or any other embodiment, the compressed wood piece is 5 Contains 16% lignin.

[0157] In the third embodiment or any other embodiment, the compressed wood piece forms the piece Compared to natural wood used for this purpose, it has superior tensile strength, bending strength, ductility, fracture toughness, and scratch resistance. Hardness, impact toughness, compressive strength, and / or elastic stiffness are increased.

[0158] In the third embodiment or any other embodiment, the compressed wood piece is at least 300 MP a cm 3 It has a specific tensile strength of / g.

[0159] In one or more fourth embodiments, the laminate includes a plurality of compressed wood pieces. Each piece is cross-sectional The figure shows a lumen that is at least partially collapsed. The lumen of each piece is in its respective direction of extension. It extends in that direction. At least some of the directions of extension of compressed wood pieces intersect each other, and multiple pressure The pieces of wood are joined together.

[0160] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each piece has a gap between the walls of the lumen in the cross-sectional view. It has a completely collapsed lumen with no gaps.

[0161] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, adjacent pieces of compressed wood are opposite each other. They are coupled to each other along the line. In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, adjacent pins The surfaces are bonded to each other by hydrogen bonds between opposing surfaces. A fourth embodiment or any other In this embodiment, adjacent pieces are bonded to each other by adhesive or epoxy between opposing surfaces. They are combined.

[0162] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, the first set of compressed wood pieces is the first layer The second set of compressed wood pieces is placed on the second layer on the first layer, and the first layer The second layer is connected to each other via opposing surfaces between adjacent pieces from each layer. It can be done.

[0163] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, the extending direction of adjacent pairs of compressed wood pieces is (That is, in the plan view) they intersect each other. Fourth embodiment or any other embodiment In this configuration, the extension directions of adjacent pairs of compressed wood pieces are perpendicular to each other.

[0164] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed wood is at least 5:2 in ratio It is compressed. In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed piece of wood is approximately 5 pairs It is compressed at a ratio of 1.

[0165] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed wood piece forms the piece Contains less lignin than natural wood used for this purpose. Fourth embodiment or any In other embodiments, each compressed wood piece contains 1% to 99% of the lignin in the natural wood. In this embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed wood piece contains 5% lignin in natural wood. Includes %~95%.

[0166] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed wood piece is rigged to 1% to 25% Contains nin. In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed wood piece contains 5% to 1 It contains 6% lignin.

[0167] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, used to form the piece Compared to natural wood, each compressed wood piece exhibits superior tensile strength, bending strength, ductility, fracture toughness, and grip strength. Hardness, rigidity, impact toughness, compressive strength, and / or elastic stiffness are increased.

[0168] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed timber is a flat sheet, block Sticks, strips, hollow shapes, films, thin films less than 200 μm thick, wood chips It is formed as wood flakes or other materials.

[0169] In the fourth embodiment or any other embodiment, each compressed wood piece is at least 300M Pa cm 3 It has a specific tensile strength of / g.

[0170] In one or more fifth embodiments, the material is the structure of the first or third embodiment, the fourth This includes a laminate of the embodiment or a structure formed by the method of the third embodiment.

[0171] In one or more sixth embodiments, the material of the fifth embodiment is used for automobiles, trains, trucks, Inside an airplane, boat, ship, or any other means of transport, vehicle, or transport vehicle or It is formed as an external component.

[0172] In one or more sixth embodiments, the material of the fifth embodiment is used for containers, boxes, and It forms part of the wooden crate used for transport.

[0173] In one or more sixth embodiments, the material of the fifth embodiment is used in warehouses, factories, and office buildings. as an interior or exterior component of a barn, home, or any other building or structure Formed. In one or more sixth embodiments, the material of the fifth embodiment is a display, Decorations, window frames, picture frames, doors or door frames, tables, desks, chairs, cabinets, wardrobes Forms a lounge, bed, or any other part of furniture or home accent. In the sixth embodiment described above, the material of the fifth embodiment is used for bridges, docks, decks, or plastics. Forms part of the net form. In one or more sixth embodiments, the material of the fifth embodiment is used. It forms part of the instrument. In one or more sixth embodiments, the material of the fifth embodiment is retained Forms part of a protective cover, blast shield, or other protective device. One or more implementations of the sixth. In its form, the material of the fifth embodiment forms part of a tool, exercise equipment, or sports equipment. do.

[0174] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the use of the singular form includes the plural form, and "or" and The separate use of "and" includes the other, namely "and / or". Furthermore, it includes (in The terms "cluding" or "having," as well as "inclusion." cludes), "included", "has", or "have Using other forms such as "had" has the same effect as "comprising". Since it is intended to have [a certain characteristic], it should not be understood as a limitation.

[0175] The scope described herein includes all values ​​between endpoints and endpoints. It will be understood as "almost (substantially)", "almost (appro "approximately", "essentially", "near" ", or similar language used in combination with specific values, unless otherwise specified, It is intended to include variations of up to 10% of that value.

[0176] The above explanation applies in some cases to examples produced in a laboratory, but these examples are raw It is extendable to industrial technology. Therefore, when quantity and technology are applied to laboratory examples, they are limited It should not be understood as something that can be fixed.

[0177] Therefore, this disclosure provides strong and durable structural timber, as well as methods for manufacturing and using it. It is clear that it will be provided. This disclosure allows for many alternatives, modifications, and variations. Although specific examples have been described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the present invention, the present invention Please understand that this can be done in other ways without deviating from such principles. The disclosed features are combined, rearranged, and omitted to generate additional embodiments. While it may be possible, certain disclosed features may be used advantageously without corresponding use of other features. There may be cases where all such alternatives are in the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to include modifications, equivalents, and transformations.

Claims

1. A processing step of forming a partially deligninized piece of fibrous plant material by chemically treating a piece of natural fibrous plant material such that 1% to 60% of the lignin present in the natural fibrous plant material is removed while substantially preserving the lumen defined by the cellulosic microstructure of the naturally occurring fibrous plant material, A pressing step is performed, after the processing step, to form a compressed piece of fibrous plant material by pressing the partially deligninized piece of fibrous plant material along the thickness direction so that the lumen collapses and both sides of each lumen along the thickness direction come into direct contact. Includes, The compressed piece has a thickness along the thickness direction that is smaller than the piece of natural fibrous plant material prior to the processing step. The compressed piece has a higher density than the piece of natural fibrous plant material prior to the processing step. The compression piece has a tensile strength of at least 300 MPa. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, after the pressing step, the opposing portions of the collapsed lumen are held together by hydrogen bonds formed between the cellulose nanofibers of the entangled cell walls of the compressed piece.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tensile strength of the compression piece is at least 350 MPa.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the natural fibrous plant material is hardwood, softwood or bamboo.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, after the pressing step, the compressed piece is composed of the partially deligninized fibrous plant material.

6. The density of the compressed piece is at least twice the density of the piece of partially deligninized fibrous plant material prior to the pressing step. The method according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the compressed piece is 40% or less of the thickness of the piece of partially deligninized fibrous plant material before the pressing step.

7. Said processing step comprises immersing at least part of the pieces of said natural fibrous plant material in one or more chemical solutions, each chemical solution comprises NaOH, Na ２ S, NaHSO ３ , SO ２ , H ２ O, Na ２ SO ３ , anthraquinone, Na ２ S ｎ (where n is an integer), CH ３ OH, C ２ H ５ OH, C ４ H ９ OH, HCOOH, NH ３ , p-TsOH, NH ３ -H ２ O, H ２ O ２ , NaClO, NaClO ２ , CH ３ COOH, ClO ２ , and Cl ２ The method according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following:

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressing step is performed at a temperature of 20°C to 120°C and a pressure of 0.5 MPa to 10 MPa.

9. The process further includes coating one or more outer surfaces of the compressed piece after the pressing step, The method according to claim 1, wherein the coating includes an oil-based paint, a hydrophobic paint, a polymer coating, or a fire-resistant coating.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, after the processing step and before the pressing step, further chemical treatment of the partially deligninized fibrous plant material pieces to make them hydrophobic or to increase their resistance to water or weather after the pressing step.

11. A step of forming one or more additional compressed pieces of fibrous plant material by repeating the processing step and the pressing step on one or more additional pieces of natural fibrous plant material, The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of joining the compression piece and the one or more additional compression pieces to each other so as to form a laminated structure.

12. Prior to the bonding step, the method further includes the step of arranging multiple pieces of partially deligninized fibrous plant material in contact with each other, The method according to claim 11, wherein the pressing step is performed simultaneously on the positioned pieces to produce the joining step.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the bonding step includes applying an adhesive or epoxy to opposing surfaces of a plurality of pieces of partially deligninized fibrous plant material.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein after the pressing step, at least a portion of the compressed piece has a curved profile.

15. After the pressing step, the compressed piece is at least 1.20 g / cm². ３ The method according to claim 1, having the density of

16. A structure comprising one or more pieces of plant material, At least one of the one or more pieces of plant material is a partially deligninized compressed piece of fibrous plant material, formed by chemically treating a piece of natural fibrous plant material to remove 1% to 60% of the lignin present in the natural fibrous plant material while substantially preserving the lumen defined by the cellulosic microstructure of the naturally occurring fibrous plant material, and then pressing it along the thickness direction such that the lumen collapses and both sides of each lumen along the thickness direction come into direct contact. The compression piece has a tensile strength of at least 300 MPa. structure.

17. The structure according to claim 16, wherein the natural fibrous plant material is hardwood, softwood or bamboo.

18. The structure according to claim 16, wherein the opposing portions of the collapsed lumen are held together by hydrogen bonds formed between the cellulose nanofibers of the intertwined cell walls of the compressed piece.

19. The one or more pieces of plant material are joined together, The structure according to claim 16, wherein the compressed piece is bonded to one adjacent piece of a plurality of plant material pieces by hydrogen bonding, adhesive, or epoxy.

20. The compressed piece contains at least 1.20 g / cm³ ３ The structure according to claim 16, having the density of [a certain value].

21. The structure according to claim 20, wherein the tensile strength of the compression piece is at least 350 MPa.

Images