THE INFLUENCE OF MASS LOSS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HEAT-TREATED BLACK PINE WOOD

Abstract

Heat has been a method used to dry and modify the properties of wood since ancient times. Nowadays, heat is used as industrial processes for the same reason. Treatment at temperatures above 150 degrees C can change the color of wood, improve its resistance to biodegradation, and enhance its dimensional stability. However, loss in the mechanical strength of wood may also occur, and this means heat-treated wood cannot be used in a broad range of products. This article investigates the mass loss, specific gravity, compression, and bending-strength of heat-treated Camiyani Black Pine wood at temperatures of 160 degrees C, 180 degrees C and 200 degrees C for 2 and 6 hours. The results show that increasing temperatures decreased specific gravity, compression, and bending strength of the specimens, whereas mass loss increased.