Enhancing Pinus pinaster Wood Durability Through Citric Acid Impregnation

Luísa Cruz-Lopes (), Mariana Sell, Rogério Lopes and Bruno Esteves ()
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Luísa Cruz-Lopes: CERNAS-IPV, ESTGV, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Mariana Sell: ESTGV, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Rogério Lopes: CERNAS-IPV, ESTGV, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Bruno Esteves: CERNAS-IPV, ESTGV, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: Citric acid (CA), a naturally occurring compound in fruits, mainly citrus, has gained attention for its eco-friendly potential in wood modification. Through esterification, citric acid reacts with wood polymers to form bonds that improve adhesion, dimensional stability, and durability while reducing moisture absorption and susceptibility to decay. This study evaluated the efficacy of CA as an eco-friendly wood treatment. Wood samples were treated with solutions at varying concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) and assessed for dimensional stability, mechanical properties, biological resistance, and ecotoxicity. CA treatments significantly improved dimensional stability, with higher concentrations yielding greater weight percent gain (WPG) and anti-swelling efficiency (ASE). Biological tests demonstrated exceptional termite resistance, with no survival and minimal mass loss in treated samples at higher concentrations. Similarly, fungal resistance improved, as citric acid inhibited fungal growth. Ecotoxicity tests showed relatively low phytotoxicity, with some decrease in germination indices (GI) at higher CA concentrations. These findings highlight CA as a sustainable wood treatment for enhanced durability and biodegradation resistance in construction and outdoor applications.

Keywords: bending strength; citric acid; esterification; Pinus pinaster; toxicological analysis; wood treatment; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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