During the thermal modification, wood is normally exposed to temperatures between 160 – 220°C. As a result physical and chemical changes are taking place and some of the wood properties are changed. Dimensional stability and weather resistance are improved. On the other hand the mechanical strength properties are usually negatively affected by the treatment. The visual appearance is also changed. There were two different types of thermal modification processes used in this study. One of them was using saturated steam and the other one superheated steam. Treatment temperature was 160°C in saturated steam process and 185°C in superheated steam. The wood specie used in this study was Silver birch (Betula pendula). In the chemistry part the acid content was investigated. Despite the 25°C lower treatment temperature, birch modified in saturated steam was more acidic compared to birch modified in superheated steam. Some differences in equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and dimensional stability were found mainly in the environment T=20°C and RH=85%. The colour of birch treated in saturated steam at 160°C was darker than the colour of birch treated in superheated steam at temperature 185°C.
Keywords: Saturated steam, Superheated steam, Thermal modification, Heat treatment
Authors
Torniainen P.
Division of Wood Science and Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Skellefteå
Dagbro O.
Division of Wood Science and Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Skellefteå
Morén T.
Division of Wood Science and Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Skellefteå
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