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MATERIALS 51
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PROPERTIES OF WOOD AFTER THERMAL
MODIFICATION IN CLOSED PROCESS
Silver birch (Betula pendula) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood boards were thermally modified
with a special focus on increasing dimensional stability and reducing hydrophilicity. The research
expands our understanding of the thermally modified (TM) process in a closed system under
pressure of nitrogen and its impact on the water absorption capabilities of wood. By Guntis Sosins,
Juris Grinins and Prans Brazdausks, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Janis Zicans, Riga
Technical University
ood has many appealing characteristics, including deeper cracks at later stages.
a beautiful appearance, good strength, low These defects also contribute to increased water uptake,
Wdensity, and excellent insulating qualities. It readily thus producing optimal moisture conditions for wood-decay
absorbs moisture from its surroundings, creating swelling, and fungi to attack. Wood modification can overcome various
subsequent desorption causes shrinkage. drawbacks of wood, including poor dimensional stability,
Unfortunately, once the forces exceed the wood’s fracture poor biological durability, low surface hardness and wear,
strength, it will creep and break in reaction to these wetting– fire retardancy, high equilibrium moisture content, and poor
drying loads. Furthermore, it tends to develop longer and weathering stability.
Jan Kopřiva
