Acetylation of Wood - New Tricks for 100 Year Old Technology

The acetylation of cellulose was first practiced in the early 1900s.  Application of the reaction is more complex in a solid, heterogeneous natural composite such as wood.  The acetylation of southern yellow pine (SYP) imparts improved properties that are of significance in the building & construction area.  This paper will provide background on how the process enhances and alters certain properties.