The effect of heat treatment on some mechanical properties and color changes of Uludag fir wood

Abstract

In this study, the effects of heat treatment on color, mass loss, compression strength, and hardness of Uludag fir (Abies bornmulleriana Mattf.) were investigated. Wood specimens conditioned at a relative humidity of 65% and a temperature of 20 C were subjected to heat treatment at 170, 190, and 210 C for 4, 8, and 12 h. After heat treatment, compression strength and hardness were determined according to TS 2595 and TS 2479. Color changes were determined according to DIN5033. The results showed that compression strength and hardness of Uludag fir wood decreased to varying extents in relation to intensity of treatment, whereas mass loss increased. We determined that treatment temperature had a more significant effect on color changes than did treatment time. The color of the wood became darker at the higher treatment temperatures.