Protection of Wood Surfaces with Metallic Oxides

摘要

Zinc oxide as well as lead (II), lead (IV) and tin (II) oxide react with quaiacol as a simple lignin model compound to form complexes. In comparison with results obtained with chromium trioxide, only zinc oxide gives worthwhile results when used to waterproof wood. Because of the (dimeric) character of the complex formed with lignin, zinc oxide is a less efficient wood waterproofer than CrO3, which instead forms (polymeric) complexes. A theory of the preservation effect of wood by metallic ion is advanced. Metallic compounds which are capable of further crosslinking the lignin network by forming insoluble complexes with it can act as wood waterproofers.