Wood cellulose is treated with a reactive silicate. The reaction is done to
cellulose within the wood and may be catalyzed with acid or base catalysts or a
carbon silicon halogen combination which produces in situ acid catalysts or a different
combination to produce an in situ base catalyst which replaces some of the molecules
or atoms within the cellulose structure with silicon, boron or other hydrophobic
or anti-degrading agents. Preferably an organic solvent, such as alcohol is used
to accelerate the reaction with the water in the wood. Here, the hydroxyl (OH)
group on some or all of the cellulose molecules is partially replaced with silicon
or an alternative atom or molecule to changes the character of the wood. The process
may be modified to insert a preliminary step of adding a reactive agent to be locked
into the wood. Manufacturing techniques to enhance the process using ultrasound
or other wave generating techniques are also taught.
