Effects of Furfurylation on Acoustic Vibration Performance of Paulownia Wood

This study investigated the effects of furfurylation on the acoustic vibration performance of Paulownia wood on the basis of improving dimensional stability. Paulownia wood was chemically modified with 25%, 50%, and 75% furfuryl alcohol and different curing times (8 h, 12 h, and 15 h). The dimensional stability of Paulownia wood was significantly improved after furfuryl alcohol modification. As indicators of acoustic vibration efficiency, the acoustic impedance (omega,), attenuation coefficient (delta), and periodic energy loss (tan delta/E) parameters were improved. The vibration sound evaluation indicator E/G was also evaluated. The best treatment conditions were 25% furfuryl alcohol and an 8 h curing time. Under these process conditions, the acoustic impedance omega, attenuation coefficient delta, and periodic energy loss parameter tan delta/E of the Paulownia wood increased by 21.1%, 156%, and 157%, respectively, the E/G indicator increased by 38.8%, and the specific dynamic elastic modulus E/rho and acoustic quality constant R decreased by 36% and 45%, respectively. The sound quality was reduced under other process conditions.