To improve the mechanical and thermal properties of wood, a new functional composite was developed using an environmentally friendly low-melting-point alloy (LMA). Wood–metal functional composites (WMCs) were prepared by impregnating a puffed wood substrate with a LMA to form a LMA/wood network. The puffed wood was obtained by subjecting it to high-intensity microwave pretreatment. In-depth scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed the distribution of the LMA within the tracheid cells. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the WMC were investigated. The weight percent gain (WPG), density, compressive strength parallel to grain (CS), thermal conductivity, and temperature unevenness of the WMC were found to increase with increasing crack number density in the puffed wood. The modulus of rupture (MOR) and the temperature alteration ratio were decreased for composites with an increased crack number density in the puffed wood. The WPG, density, CS, MOR, and thermal conductivity were increased by 1021%, 986.4%, 120%, 278.8%, and 2750%, respectively, from the unmodified wood to the optimal WMC. Such modified puffed wood with overall enhanced physical, mechanical, and thermal properties could be potentially utilized in applications like construction and heat-conductive flooring.

中文翻译：

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将低熔点合金集成到膨化木材中以改善木-金属功能复合材料的机械和热性能

为了改善木材的机械和热性能，使用环保的低熔点合金 (LMA) 开发了一种新的功能复合材料。通过用 LMA 浸渍膨化木材基材以形成 LMA/木材网络来制备木材-金属功能复合材料 (WMC)。膨化木材是通过对其进行高强度微波预处理而获得的。深度扫描电子显微镜结合能量色散 X 射线分析显示管胞细胞内 LMA 的分布。研究了 WMC 的物理、机械和热性能。发现 WMC 的增重百分比 (WPG)、密度、平行于纹理的抗压强度 (CS)、热导率和温度不均匀性随着膨化木材中裂纹数密度的增加而增加。对于膨胀木中裂纹数密度增加的复合材料，断裂模量 (MOR) 和温度变化率降低。从未改性木材到最佳 WMC，WPG、密度、CS、MOR 和热导率分别提高了 1021%、986.4%、120%、278.8% 和 2750%。这种具有整体增强的物理、机械和热性能的改性膨化木材可潜在地用于建筑和导热地板等应用。