Acetylation of lignocellulosic materials

US4804384A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture · US

Inventors

• Roger M. Rowell · Madison, US
• Rune Simonson · Gothenburg, SE
• Anne-Marie Tillman · Gothenburg, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 8, 1987
• Grant date: Feb 14, 1989
• Expiry date: Apr 8, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B27K3/08
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Reaction of lignocellulosic material with uncatalyzed acetic anhydride in the absence of any cosolvent is disclosed. The process improves dimensional stability and resistance to biological attack of the lignocellulosic material. Lignocellulosic material is treated by exposure to liquid acetic anhydride for at least a short period of time, after which it is then heated to acetylate the material. The excess anhydride and byproduct acetic acid can be removed by vacuum.