STRENGTH CHANGES IN ASH, BEECH AND MAPLE WOOD MODIFIED WITH A N-METHYLOL MELAMINE COMPOUND AND A METAL-COMPLEX DYE

Ash, beech and maple wood was modified with aqueous solutions of methylated N-methylol melamine (NMM) and a metal-complex dye (BS) consisting of 10, 20, and 30 % NMM and 5 % BS. Static bending strength and stiffness, impact bending strength and hardness were examined to evaluate the suitability of modified wood for structural uses. The combined NMM-BS modification resulted in significant higher dynamic (MOEdyn) and static (MOE) moduli of elasticity for all species. Beech and maple exhibited enhanced static bending strength (MOR), while that of ash was unchanged. The higher stiffness and strength of NMM-BS modified wood is attributed to its higher wood density and lower EMC and to the stiff character of NMM resin incorporated in the wood matrix. Impact bending strength decreased substantially after modification as a result of reduced pliability of treated wood. Brinell hardness significantly increased with the weight percent gain (WPG) due to modification, and, unlike the other properties, it was positively correlated with the WPG.