Abstract: A process for acetylation of wood having a density of above 400 kg/m3, particularly, of Southern Yellow Pine, allows the production of acetylated wood having higher acetylation levels, such as an acetyl content of at least 20% by weight. The acetylated wood has also a low residual acetic acid content, in particular, lower than 1% by weight. The invention is particularly useful for acetylation on industrial scale of pieces of solid wood, preferably, of wood beams.

Abstract: Disclosed is acetylated wood comprising one or more end grain surfaces, wherein the wood is selected from the species Red Alder and European Alder. The acetylation of these wood species surprisingly result s in a lowering of the water absorption by immersion at an end-grain surface. Thus, acetylation can be used for the purpose of lowering the water absorption by immersion at an end-grain surface of wood selected from the group consisting of Red Alder and European Alder. The invention also pertains to wood having tangential surfaces, showing a surprising extent of aggregate rays. Further disclosed is a method of providing stable discoloured acetylated Red Alder [and European Alder], comprising a step of subjecting the acetylated wood to UV exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for acetylation of wood having a density of above 400 kg/m3, particularly, of Southern Yellow Pine, and acetylated wood obtainable by this method. The described acetylation process allows the production of acetylated wood having higher acetylation levels, such as an acetyl content of at least 20% by weight. The acetylated wood has also a low residual acetic acid content, in particular, lower than 1% by weight. The invention is particularly useful for acetylation on industrial scale of pieces of solid wood, preferably, of wood beams.