MOISTURE-RELATED PROPERTIES OF <em>EUCALYPTUS</em> <em>TERETICORNIS</em> AFTER THERMAL MODIFICATION
Keywords:
Heat treatment, shrinkage, swelling, weight loss, woodAbstract
Heat treatment of wood is an alternative to chemical treatment. Wood structure changes due to decomposition of hemicelluloses, ramification of lignin and crystallisation of cellulose. These changes improve the hygrophobicity and dimensional stability of wood, increase its resistance to microorganisms and darken its colour. In this study, the effects of heat treatment on physical properties of Eucalyptus tereticornis wood were examined. Specimens were subjected to heat treatment at 210 oC for 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour and 24 hours. Physical properties of heat-treated and control specimens were tested and their densities, weights, water absorption, swelling and shrinkage properties were measured. Results revealed that all parameters measured decreased with increasing treatment time.