The effect of mass loss on mechanic properties of heat - Treated paulownia wood

Abstract

In this study, the effect of mass loss on mechanic properties of Paulownia (Paulownia elongata) wood was investigated. For this study, three different temperatures (160, 180, and 200°C) and durations (3, 5, and 7 hours) were carried out. After heat treatment, the mass loss of the heat-treated samples were found and then it is determined how affected on mechanic properties of Paulownia wood The data obtained were analyzed using variance analysis, and then Tukey's test was used to determine the effect on mechanic properties of mass loss during heat treatment. The results show that mechanic properties were occurred decreasing in variation ration in relate with mass loss. While the maximum mass loss found was 9,78% at 200 °C and 7 hour, the compression strength, modulus of elasticity, bending strength and impact strength decreased about 17, 19, 78 and 88%, respectively. Hence, it is determined that the mass loss on mechanic properties of Paulownia wood significantly affected. © 2009 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.