Technique to preserve dead helps construction wood resist decay, age

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a novel technique to enhance the durability and lifespan of Western red cedar, a widely used Canadian building material known for its renewability but prone to moisture absorption. The method adapts plastination—a process originally designed for preserving human and animal remains—by replacing the water in the wood’s cellular structure with a silicone compound. This creates a hydrophobic barrier that significantly reduces swelling, rotting, and cracking, thereby preserving the wood’s internal structure without compromising its tensile strength. The process involves acetone dehydration of the cedar, followed by vacuum-assisted impregnation with a silicone polymer and curing. Testing using advanced imaging and spectroscopy confirmed that the silicone deeply penetrates the wood’s microscopic channels, reducing moisture absorption by nearly 60% and increasing surface hydrophobicity by over 45%. Mechanical tests showed improved flexibility and maintained strength in treated samples, even after moisture conditioning. Compared to conventional wood treatments that rely on surface coatings or toxic chemicals, plastination