In situ synthesis of Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxides in wood: a novel approach for Enhanced fire performance
This study presents a modified approach for enhancing the fire performance of white poplar wood (Populus alba L.) through the in situ formation of MgAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) within the wood structure. The treated wood exhibited significantly improved fire properties. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased from 19% to 45%, while cone calorimetry results showed reductions of approximately 65% in peak heat release rate (HRR), 58% in total heat release (THR), 80% in maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE), and 80% in total smoke production (TSP) compared to untreated poplar wood. The enhanced fire performance is attributed to the formation of a protective char layer and the presence of inorganic residues derived from LDH decomposition, which influences the thermal degradation and combustion behaviour of the wood. The results demonstrate that this simple modification approach provides an effective method for improving the fire performance and smoke suppression properties of fast-growing wood species.