Abstract: A system for treating wood (30), comprising: —a treatment vessel (14) configured to receive at least one wood stack (4) for treatment, and —a stack holding system (2) for holding a wood stack (4), the stack holding system (2) comprising: —a frame (6), configured to support the wood stack (4); —a first element (8), connected to the frame (6) near an upper side of said frame (6), configured to exert a first, downward force on the wood stack (4); and —a second element (10), connected to the frame (6) near a lower side of said frame (6), configured to exert a second force on the wood stack (4) in a direction opposite said first force. The invention also comprises a method for treating wood, using a system for treating wood according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the acetylation of wood comprising treating wood with an acetylation agent comprising acetic anhydride and/or acetic acid and subjecting to acetylation conditions, wherein the acetylation reaction is carried out in the presence of an acetylation catalyst comprising a salt of an organic acid, wherein the organic acid is a carboxylic acid, phenol or a substituted phenol, wherein the carboxylic acid is chosen from the list consisting of aromatic carboxylic acids, medium chain saturated monocarboxylic acids, keto acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, amino acids and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A composite wood product containing acetylated wood elements characterized by an average value in thickness swelling not exceeding 5% after subjection to 25 wet-dry/freeze-thaw cycles as described in Table II. Alternative characterizations include moduli of elasticity and rupture, and bending strength. A two stage process for the acetylation of wood elements is also described.

Abstract: A composite wood product containing acetylated wood elements characterised by an average value in thickness swelling not exceeding 5% after subjection to 25 wet-dry/freeze-thaw cycles as described in Table II. Alternative characterisations include moduli of elasticity and rupture, and bending strength. A two stage process for the acetylation of wood elements is also described.