Thermal modification on the physical properties of wood

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of thermal change in the physical properties of wood Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus saligna, compared with the control (untreated wood). For that were sampled three trees of each species, with approximately 40 years of age, which were taken the first two logs 3 feet long. The thermal modification of wood was conducted by employing final temperature of 140 degrees C, 160 degrees C and 180 degrees C for 2.5 hours, over the control (no treatment) using an oven with forced air circulation. Tests of physical properties were performed according to established procedures in ASTM and adaptations (ASTM 143-94, 2000), and consisted in evaluating the equilibrium moisture content, weight loss, swelling coefficient of total (linear and volumetric) and coefficient anisotropy. Overall, the results showed that the thermal modification was effective in reducing the moisture balance, weight loss, decrease in swelling and total anisotropy coefficient of both species, with the higher values observed in the treatments of higher temperatures.