Technological and chemical properties of heat-treated Anatolian black pine wood

Abstract

In this study the effect of heat treatment on air-dry density (D m), oven-dry density (D0), shrinkage (β), swelling (α), fiber saturation point (FSP), compression strength parallel to grain (σc//), bending strength (σb), modulus of elasticity (MOE) in bending, Brinell-hardness (HB), equilibrium moisture content (EMC), chemical content and cellulose crystallinity of Anatolian black pine [Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. nigra var. caramenica (Loudon) Rehder] was evaluated. Specimens were subjected to heat under atmospheric pressure at 3 different temperature (130, 180 and 230°C) and 2 different time levels (2 and 8 h). The value of Dm, D0, β, α, FSP, EMC, σc//, σb, MOE, holocellulose, 1% NaOH and alcohol solubility decreased, whereas, lignin content increased depending on the heating temperature and the time. Cellulose crystallinity of the specimens was not changed significantly. 130°C showed minimum effect, on the other hand, 230°C showed maximum effect on all properties of treated wood. Accordingly, for heat treatment process, 130°C for 2 h should be applied in place where mechanical properties are important. However, 230°C for 2 h should be used in place where a physical property is preferred. Consequently, heat treated Anatolian black pine woods could be utilized in applications for several purposes such as kitchen furniture, outdoor furniture and windows frames. © 2009 Academic Journals.