Effect of Impregnation with Boron Compound Doped Rosin to the Combustion Resistance of Oriental Beech Wood (Fagus orientalis Lipsky)

In this study, investigation of the combustion properties of Oriental beech wood (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) impregnated with boron compound (borax (Na(2)B(4)O(7)10H(2)O), boric acid (H3BO3) doped rosin (C19H29COOH) was aimed. For this purpose, Oriental beech wood samples were prepared according to ASTM E 160-50 and impregnated with boron compound doped rosin by the method of medium-term dipping (24 hours) according to ASTM D 1413 and producers' definition. Combustion properties of samples after impregnated process were determined according to ASTM E 160-50. As a part of the research, 6 different combination and contents of impregnation materials have been used in order to especially investigate resistance against combustion of wood material treated with boron compounds in different concentrations. As a result of the study, retention performance and leaching resistance of boron compounds can be increased through rosin addition. Consequently, impregnation materials with rosin decreased the flame sourced combustion (Fsc) temperatures depending on kind of impregnation material, extended combustion period and decreased weight loss ratio of the test samples in comparison to the control samples. On the contrary, weight loss ratios were affected negatively in Oriental beech test samples up to 3% when compared with samples which were impregnated with borax. Meanwhile, combustion periods increased in test samples up to 30%. Rosin, in terms of its combustion performance, can be preferred in impregnation with boron compounds depending on kind of wood and using area.