Compression strength and thermal properties ofScots pine sapwood impregnated with nanoparticles of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how nano-magnesium oxide (nano-MgO) and nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) impregnation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood with a solution of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% affects its physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The properties examined were density, retention value, compression strength, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and crystallinity index (CI) by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). In general, the mean compression strength parallel to the grain in the wood material increased when the quantity of nanoparticles of MgO added to impregnation solution increased from 0.1% to 0.3%, whereas it decreased in the case of nano-ZnO addition into the solution. The thermal stability of the nano-MgO and nano-ZnO treated Scots pine wood were better than untreated ones. In general, the CI of the specimens increased with increasing content of the nano-MgO and nano-ZnO. This study provides an overview of the advantages of using nano-ZnO and nano-MgO as impregnating agents to improve the properties of wood.