INFLUENCE OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL ATTRIBUTES OF WHITE AFARA WOOD
Abstract
The utilization of heat treatment on wood stands as an ecologically friendly approach to preserve this natural resource. This technique significantly enhances wood’s ability to withstand decay and maintain its dimensional stability. In this investigation, White Afara wood (Terminalia superb) was analyzed for various physical attributes including density, moisture content, shrinkage, as well as a mechanical property, namely compression strength. Wooden samples conditioned at a temperature of 20 ± 2ºC and a relative humidity of 65% were subjected to varying heat treatment temperatures (80ºC, 100ºC, 120ºC, 140ºC, and 160ºC). Subsequently, the optimal temperature of 120ºC was selected, and the duration of heat treatment was altered among specimens (2, 4, 6, and 8 hours). During experimentation, instances of splitting along the grain were observed at 140ºC and 160ºC, accompanied by a darkening of wood color and increased brittleness with rising temperatures. Consequently, the optimum conditions of 120ºC for 6 hours were identified. The ignition point of the experiment was determined to be 180ºC. Notably weather-resistant, White Afara wood, when subjected to heat treatment at the optimal temperature of 120ºC, proves most suitable for outdoor applications such as external cladding, window frames, and garden furniture.
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