Abstract

Scots pine and Norway spruce, the most used commercial wood species in Europe, were thermally treated under industrial conditions by steam (Thermowood (R)) and vacuum (Termovuoto). Matched boards were treated, and the alterations in chemistry, color, mass loss, mechanical properties, and durability were compared. In treatments at identical temperature and duration, Thermowood (R) and the thermo-vacuum process caused similar mass loss in both wood species. The thermal treatments showed minor effects on the released acetic acid during the thermal degradation of polysaccharides. The equilibrium moisture content correlated well with the mass loss and confirmed indirectly the similarity of the two processes. The chemical composition and durability of the two groups of treated wood were similar. In conclusion, Thermowood (R) and thermo-vacuum treatments according to Termovuoto technology both produce similar final products with regard to chemical composition, physical-mechanical properties, and durability, with some differences in the appearance.

Keywords

Mass loss; Mechanical properties; Norway spruce; Scots pine; Physical properties; Thermally modified wood

Published in

Bioresources
2018, Volume: 13, number: 1, pages: 715-728
Publisher: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV DEPT WOOD & PAPER SCI

SLU Authors

• Jebrane, Mohamed

  • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Terziev, Nasko

  • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Wood Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.13.1.715-728

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/94853