Effect of heat treatment parameters on the physical, mechanical, and crystallinity index properties of Scots pine and beech wood

Abstract

Effects of heat treatment parameters on the physical properties, mechanical properties, and crystallinity index of Scots pine and beech wood were investigated. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) sapwood samples were prepared in 2 cm × 2 cm × 36 cm dimensions by considering the physical and mechanical tests. The samples were heat-treated for 2 h and 4 h at 150 °C, 180 °C, and 210 °C in an atmospheric environment. The shrinking and swelling percentages of all samples were calculated. The compressive strength, bending strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and hardness tests were carried out. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to calculate the crystallinity index values. As a result of the study, it was determined that heat treatment generally had a positive effect on the physical properties of Scots pine and beech samples. It was observed that the bending strength of the wood samples decreased up to 180 °C as the temperature increased and then increased. It was determined that the MOE of the Scots pine and beech wood decreased with the heat treatment. As the heat treatment temperature and time were increased, the crystallinity index values initially increased partially and then decreased.