Irradiation of monomer-impregnated sawdust to produce new construction materials

A new construction material was prepared by gamma radiation with or without heat curing, of methyl methacrylate monomer mixed with foaming agent and pine sawdust. The composite with the greatest hardness, bending strength, dimensional stability and lowest water absorption was prepared at a total dose of 1.0 Mrad, a ratio of sawdust/monomer of 8 g/20 ml, and VAZO to monomer of 1.5 percent. The composite appears to be a promising material for use in housing construction for items such as window and door frames, studs, wall partitions, furniture components, etc. (U.S.)