Relation of chemical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus nitens wood thermally modified in open and closed systems

ABSTRACT

In the present work, Eucalyptus nitens was thermally modified in an open (atmospheric pressure) and a closed (under pressure) reactor system. The effect of the changes of the chemical composition on the mechanical properties was investigated. Hemicelluloses, cellulose, lignin, extractives, acetic acid, formic acid, total phenols and the cellulose degree of polymerization (DP) as well as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured for each modification. The results indicated that the closed system modification, particularly at high pressure, presented stronger variations on the chemical structure of the modified wood than the modifications in the open system. In both modifications, MOR showed a better correlation with the chemical changes than the MOE, especially xylose, cellulose DP, lignin and total phenols. These correlations suggest a tendency of a more brittle wood in the closed system modification at high pressure than in the modifications in the open system. Results can be used as a reference for future applications of thermally modified E. nitens wood.     

Effects of impregnation and heat treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood

Wood modification, of which thermal modification is one of the best-known methods, offers possible improvement in wood properties without imposing undue strain on the environment. This study investigates improvement of the properties of heat-treated solid wood. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was modified in two stages: impregnation with modifiers followed by heat treatment at different temperatures. The impregnation was done with water glass, melamine, silicone, and tall oil. The heat treatment was performed at the temperatures of 180°C and 212°C for three hours. The modified samples were analyzed using performance indicators and scanning electron microscope micrographs. The mechanical and physical properties were determined with water absorption, swelling, bending strength, and impact strength tests. All the modifiers penetrated better into sapwood than hardwood; however, there were significant differences in the impregnation behavior of the modifiers. As regards the effect of heat treatment, generally the moisture properties were improved and mechanical strengths impaired with increasing treatment temperature. In contrast to previous studies, the bending strength increased after melamine impregnation and mild heat treatment. It is concluded that the properties of impregnated wood can be enhanced by moderate heat treatment.     

三聚氰胺甲醛树脂增韧改性研究进展

三聚氰胺甲醛树脂(melamine formaldehyde resin,MF)具有耐磨、防水等特性,广泛应用于粘合剂、阻燃涂料、室外板材保护等领域,但由于交联密度大、柔性链短、脆性大的特点,限制了其应用。本文从外增韧与内增韧两方面总结MF树脂的增韧改性研究,并进行展望分析,为合成高性能的三聚氰胺甲醛树脂提供理论指导和依据。     

The effect of urea pretreatment on the formaldehyde emission and properties of straw particleboard

For manufacturing low-formaldehyde emission particleboard from wheat straw and urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins using urea treatment for indoor environments, we investigated the influence of urea treatment on the formaldehyde emission, physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured particleboard. Wheat straws were treated at three levels of urea concentration (5%, 10%, 15%) and 95℃as holding temperature. Wheat straw particleboards were manufactured using hotpress at 180℃and 3 MPa with two types of UF adhesive (UF-45,UF-91). Then the formaldehyde emission values, physical properties and mechanical properties were considered. The results show that the formaldehyde emission value was decreased by increasing urea concentration. Furthermore, the results indicate that the specimens under urea treatment have better mechanical and physical properties compared with control specimens. Also specimens under urea treatment at 10% concentration and UF-91 type adhesive have the most optimum physical and mechanical strength.     

Preparation,physical properties and ultraviolet resistance of wood nanocomposites based on modified soybean oil and bentonite

ABSTRACT

Safer environmental requirements have resulted in significant interest in natural polymer-based materials to increase sustainability. In this perspective, wood polymer nanocomposites are of particular interest. Wood polymer nanocomposites were prepared from modified soybean oil, wood flour and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide modified bentonite using the compression-molding technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometric studies were used to confirm the successful modification of bentonite. Incorporation of 3?wt% of bentonite in the composites produced significant improvement in properties compared to those of 1 and 5?wt%. Furthermore, in comparison to the unfilled nanocomposites, nanoclay-filled ones showed an enhanced UV resistance property as judged by lower weight loss and carbonyl index. The decrease in mechanical properties of UV-exposed unfilled composites was more significant compared to those of nanoclay-filled composites. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope were used to study the surface morphology and distribution of the bentonite into the composites. In addition, with the incorporation of bentonite, significant increase in thermal, mechanical and flame-retarding properties was observed.     

Effects of heat treatment on some properties of MDF (medium-density fiberboard)

This work investigated some mechanical, physical and free formaldehyde emission properties of heat-treated MDF. For this purpose, MDF panels were subjected to varying heat treatment temperatures (155°C, 165°C and 175°C), durations (2.5?h., 3.5?h. and 4.5?h.) and waiting times after hot pressing (30?min., 120?min. and 600?min). Thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA), free formaldehyde emission (FFE), bending strength (BS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tensile strength perpendicular to fibers (TSPF) for treated and untreated samples were tested and evaluated statistically. Consequently, after the heat treatment values of tensile strength, bending strength and modulus of elasticity were almost negatively affected relatively, but the thickness swelling and water absorption and quantities of free formaldehyde were improved positively of MDF samples.     

Anatomical characteristics of thermally modified Eucalyptus nitens wood in an open and closed reactor system

ABSTRACT

Eucalyptus nitens specimens were thermally modified under open and closed systems. The anatomical characteristics from selected modifications that presented similar mass losses were investigated by analyzing images taken from scanning electron microscopy, transmission light microscopy, and X-ray micro-computed tomography. Wood cell wall thickness, fiber, and lumen area were measured and compared to unmodified specimens, and the crack formation after modification was also analyzed. There was only a slight decrease in the measured characteristics when compared to unmodified specimens. The wood cell wall thickness was less affected than the fiber and lumen areas, and both modifications presented similar crack formations. Overall, there were no significant differences between open and closed system modifications in the anatomical structure.     

Physical and mechanical properties and colour changes of fast-growing Gympie messmate wood subjected to two-step steam-heat treatments

This study aimed to evaluate physical and mechanical properties and colour changes of fast-growing Gympie messmate wood subjected to two-step steam-heat treatments. To achieve this, Gympie messmate wood was thermally treated under different conditions. Combined steam (127°C and ～0,1471 MPa) and heat treatments in an oven (180–240°C for 4 hours) were performed. Physical and mechanical properties were evaluated by weight loss, equilibrium moisture content, specific gravity, volumetric and linear swelling and static bending tests, while colour changes were studied using CIEL*a*b* technique. The main findings showed that the steam pre-treatment in autoclave influenced most of the technological properties evaluated, mainly for heat treatments performed in low temperatures (180–200°C). The most significant changes after thermal treatments were observed for dimensional stability, which increased as a function of temperature of treatment. On the other hand, mechanical strength of thermally modified wood was significantly affected, while stiffness did not change. Colour modifications due to the application of two-step steam-heat treatments confirm the possibility to using these samples for aesthetic purposes.     

Durability of thermally modified timber from industrial-scale processes in different use classes: Results from laboratory and field tests

Material from four common European processes of industrial heat treatment of timber was examined comparatively with reference to biological laboratory standard tests and field tests in soil contact and above ground. The thermally modified timber (TMT) used in the study was: Plato wood from the Netherlands, ThermoWood from Finland, New Option Wood (NOW) from France, and oil-heat-treated wood (OHT) produced in Germany. Tests of resistance to basidiomycetes (EN 113, 1996) and tests of resistance to soft rotting microfungi and other soil-inhabiting microorganisms (EN 807, 1997) showed substantially lower mass losses of TMT compared with controls. Only slight differences in mass loss were found between the four thermally modified materials. Based on results from laboratory standard tests all tested heat-treated materials were classified as durable to moderately durable [durability class (DC) 2-4], analogous to the classification of natural durability (EN 350-1, 1994). In contrast, the classification of TMT samples after 5.5 years' exposure in soil contact, in accordance with EN 252 (1990), was slightly durable to not durable (DC 4-5), whereas the classification obtained after 5.5 years' exposure in double layers in European hazard class (EHC) 3 (EN 335-1, 1992) was very durable to moderately durable (DC 1-3). On the basis of 5.5 years' field testing, thermally modified material (independent of the treatment process and supplier) appears not to be suitable for in-ground contact application. However, the suitability of TMT for use out of ground in EHC 3 was ascertained and is recommended.     

Durability of thermally modified Norway spruce and Scots pine in above-ground conditions

Abstract

One of the main objectives of thermal modification is to increase the biological durability of wood. In this study the fungal resistance of Norway spruce and Scots pine, thermally modified at 195°C and 210°C, was studied with a lap-joint field test. Untreated pine and spruce and pine impregnated with tributyl tin oxide (TBTO) and copper, chromium and arsenic (CCA) were selected as reference materials. The evaluations were carried out after 1, 2 and 9 years of exposure. After 1 and 2 years of exposure mainly discoloration was detected. Only the untreated pine was slightly affected by decay fungi. There were significant differences in the decay ratings of untreated and thermally modified wood materials after 9 years in the field. While the untreated wood materials were severely attacked by decay fungi or reached failure rating, only small areas of incipient decay were detected in the thermally modified samples. Thermally modified pine was slightly more decayed than thermally modified spruce. The only wood material without any signs of decay was CCA-treated pine, since some of the TBTO-treated pine samples were also moderately attacked by fungal decay. The results of the lap-joint test had a good correlation with mass losses in a laboratory test with brown-rot fungi.     

Anisotropic thermal properties of molded carbon phenolic spheres

Anisotropic thermal properties of molded carbon phenolic spheres (CPS), a mixture of sugi wood charcoal powders and phenol formaldehyde resin molded with a hot press, were investigated. The effects of the carbonizing temperature, particle size of chars, and density of the CPS on thermal properties were discussed. The molded CPS specimens were measured for their thermal properties using the laser flash method in both horizontal and vertical directions. The configuration of the CPS was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Anisotropy of the thermal properties (thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity) between horizontal and vertical directions of the molded CPS was much higher than that of the uncarbonized molded phenolic spheres. Therefore, converting wood into molded CPS is an effective way to enhance the thermal-anisotropy properties. More marked effects of the carbonizing temperature, particle size, and density were observed in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. Anisotropy in thermal properties of the molded CPS may be considered an advantage for developing a new fire-retardant material for wood composites.An outline of this study was presented at the 47^th and 48^th annual meetings of the Japan Wood Research Society, Kochi and Shizuoka, 1997 and 1998.     

聚丙烯酸酯改性纤维素基脲醛树脂模塑料性能研究

以甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)、丙烯酸正丁酯(BA)和α-甲基丙烯酸(α-MAA)为单体,通过种子乳液聚合制备了聚丙烯酸酯乳液共聚物(PMBM),研究了PMBM玻璃化温度(Tg)分别为80、60和40℃的S1、S2和S3及添加量对纤维素基脲醛树脂模塑料的收缩率、力学性能及热稳定性能等影响,并采用动态力学机械分析(DMA)和电镜扫描(SEM)研究了改性前后脲醛树脂模塑料动态力学性能和冲击断面的微观结构。结果表明,玻璃化温度为40℃的PMBM(S3)对脲醛树脂模塑料的增韧效果最好;当S3添加量为20%时,脲醛树脂模塑料韧性最好,其模塑料收缩率为0.23%,冲击强度为2.47 k J/m2,弯曲强度为75.16 MPa,其中冲击强度和弯曲强度分别比未改性的脲醛树脂模塑料提高了44.4%和39.0%;添加PMBM会降低脲醛树脂模塑料体系的热失重速率,模塑料耐低温性能得到提高。由DMA测试结果可知,S3对模塑料的增韧效果显著,且与脲醛树脂的相容性较好;此外,由SEM分析可知添加20%S3增韧的模塑料断面粗糙,断口光滑,趋于韧性断裂。     

Screening of properties of modified chitosan-treated wood

Abstract

Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin in crustacean shells. Over the past decade it has been studied as an environmentally benign wood-protecting agent. It is assumed to act as a fungi-stat against a wide range of fungi and even as a fungicide at higher concentrations. This study investigated the properties of wood treated with modified chitosan of different molecular weights. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) samples were impregnated with two chitosan solutions differing in their average molecular weights. The chitosan solutions were depolymerized by nitrous acid to one solution of high molecular weight and one solution of low molecular weight with a concentration of 5% (w/v). The results show changes in sorption properties, antifungal properties, fire-retardant properties and mechanical properties of modified chitosan-treated wood. Heat-modified, chitosan-treated wood showed similar properties to chitosan-treated wood, except for brownish coloration, enhanced hydrophobation, and slightly reduced antifungal and fire-retardant properties. The modulus of rupture and hardness showed little or no change. The modulus of elasticity of the heat-modified, chitosan-treated wood increased by 27% compared with untreated wood.     

Screening of properties of modified chitosan-treated wood

Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin in crustacean shells. Over the past decade it has been studied as an environmentally benign wood-protecting agent. It is assumed to act as a fungi-stat against a wide range of fungi and even as a fungicide at higher concentrations. This study investigated the properties of wood treated with modified chitosan of different molecular weights. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) samples were impregnated with two chitosan solutions differing in their average molecular weights. The chitosan solutions were depolymerized by nitrous acid to one solution of high molecular weight and one solution of low molecular weight with a concentration of 5% (w/v). The results show changes in sorption properties, antifungal properties, fire-retardant properties and mechanical properties of modified chitosan-treated wood. Heat-modified, chitosan-treated wood showed similar properties to chitosan-treated wood, except for brownish coloration, enhanced hydrophobation, and slightly reduced antifungal and fire-retardant properties. The modulus of rupture and hardness showed little or no change. The modulus of elasticity of the heat-modified, chitosan-treated wood increased by 27% compared with untreated wood.     

Durability of thermally modified sapwood and heartwood of Scots pine and Norway spruce in the modified double layer test

In the present study, durability of untreated and thermally modified sapwood and heartwood of Scots pine and Norway spruce was examined using a modified double layer test. Base layer samples were partly on contact with ground where exposure conditions were harder than that in a double layer test above the ground. The base layer on ground contact gave results already after one year of exposure in Finnish climate, but the top layer of a double layer test element simulated more the situation of decking exposure.

Significant differences in durability and moisture content (MC) between the wood materials were detected after six years of exposure in the field. Thermally modified pine heartwood performed very well in all layers of the test element and only minor signs of decay were found in some of the base samples. Both sapwood and heartwood of thermally modified spruce were suffering only slight amounts of decay while thermally modified pine sapwood was slightly or moderately decayed. Untreated sapwood samples of pine and spruce were severely decayed or reached failure rating after six years in the field. Untreated heartwood samples performed clearly better. The highest MCs were measured from untreated and thermally modified pine samples. Thermal modification increased significantly the durability and decreased the MC values of all wood materials.     

Influence of treatment temperature and duration on selected biological, mechanical, physical and optical properties of thermally modified timber

The impact of heat-treatment temperature (180, 200, 210, 220 and 240°C) and various heat-treatment durations on selected biological, mechanical, optical and physical properties of thermally modified timber (TMT) was determined. The suitability of different measures for prediction of the treatment intensity was also investigated. Resistance to impact milling (RIM), lightness L*, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), and antiswelling efficiency (ASE) were correlated with corresponding fungal resistance achieved by heat treatments. The results show that the decrease in mass by heat treatments is a suitable measurand to describe the treatment intensity, which is a product of treatment temperature and duration, where the impact of temperature is dominant over the impact of time. The properties examined showed a strong reciprocally proportional relationship with the decrease in mass. Different correlations were found for the various treatment temperatures: the higher the temperature applied, the lower the decrease in mass required for an equivalent improvement in certain wood properties, e.g. biological durability, EMC and dimensional stability. However, mass loss by Poria placenta correlated well with RIM, lightness L*, EMC and ASE of the different heat-treated specimens, depending on the heat-treatment temperature. Consequently, a reliable estimation of improved fungal resistance of TMT, as well as quality control of TMT in general, requires certain process information.     

Influence of treatment temperature and duration on selected biological,mechanical, physical and optical properties of thermally modified timber

Abstract

The impact of heat-treatment temperature (180, 200, 210, 220 and 240°C) and various heat-treatment durations on selected biological, mechanical, optical and physical properties of thermally modified timber (TMT) was determined. The suitability of different measures for prediction of the treatment intensity was also investigated. Resistance to impact milling (RIM), lightness L*, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), and antiswelling efficiency (ASE) were correlated with corresponding fungal resistance achieved by heat treatments. The results show that the decrease in mass by heat treatments is a suitable measurand to describe the treatment intensity, which is a product of treatment temperature and duration, where the impact of temperature is dominant over the impact of time. The properties examined showed a strong reciprocally proportional relationship with the decrease in mass. Different correlations were found for the various treatment temperatures: the higher the temperature applied, the lower the decrease in mass required for an equivalent improvement in certain wood properties, e.g. biological durability, EMC and dimensional stability. However, mass loss by Poria placenta correlated well with RIM, lightness L*, EMC and ASE of the different heat-treated specimens, depending on the heat-treatment temperature. Consequently, a reliable estimation of improved fungal resistance of TMT, as well as quality control of TMT in general, requires certain process information.     

Superheated steam treatment of rubberwood to enhance its mechanical,physiochemical, and biological properties

ABSTRACT

This research was aimed to investigate mechanical properties, color and cell-wall components changes, and durability of pre-dried rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) after superheated steam (SS) treatment. Wood samples were treated at different SS temperatures (140–180°C) for 1–3?h. The highest compression strength parallel-to-grain, hardness and impact strength were found for samples treated at 160°C for 3?h (30.7% higher than untreated), at 150°C for 1?h (26.6% higher than untreated) and at 150°C for 2?h (52.6% higher than untreated), respectively. The surface color became darker after each treatment in comparison with the untreated wood. The number of accessible hydroxyl groups decreased and the relative cellulose crystallinity increased with SS temperature, indicating decreased hygroscopicity of the treated wood. Also, SEM micrographs of wood surface showed consistent decrease in starch particles with treatment temperature. Both decay and termite resistances of treated rubberwood improved with treatment temperature. All the analyzes showed that dried rubberwood treated with SS had some improvements in the mechanical properties, decreased hygroscopicity, and increase resistance to decay.     

Effect of log position in European Larch (Larix decidua Mill.) tree on the technological properties of particleboard

The impact of log position in European Larch (Larix decidua Mill.) tree on the physical, mechanical, and surface properties of the particleboard was investigated. The logs were divided into five segments from the butt to the top of tree, which were 0–3 m, 3–6 m, 6–9 m, 9–12 m, and 12–15 m, respectively. The fiber length and wall thickness of the wood decreased with the increase in the tree height while the lumen diameter decreased. Similarly, the amount of cellulose and lignin decreased with the increase in tree height while the amount of hemicelluloses increased. The highest solubility values (hot and cold water, NaOH, and alcohol-benzene) and pH of the wood were found in the butt log, followed by the middle log, and top log, respectively. The physical (thickness swelling, water absorption) and mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond), and surface quality (surface roughness and contact angle) of the particleboards were negatively affected by increasing tree height. The best properties were obtained for the particleboards produced from the particles of the butt log (0–3 m).     

Compressive deformation of wood impregnated with low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin III: effects of sodium chlorite treatment

To obtain high-strength phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resin-impregnated compressed wood at low pressing pressure, we investigated the effects of sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) treatment on wood prior to low molecular weight PF resin impregnation. Sawn veneers of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) were treated with 2% aqueous NaClO₂ solution at 45°C for 12 h to remove lignin, and the process was repeated up to four times, resulting in weight loss of 21%. NaClO₂ treatment has shown considerable potential for high compression of PF resin-impregnated wood at low pressing pressure, especially after adding moisture to a content of 10%–11%. This deformation is further enhanced during pressure holding by creep deformation. The density, Young’s modulus, and bending strength of PF resin-impregnated veneer laminated composites that were treated with NaClO₂ four times and compressed at 1 MPa, reached 1.15 g/cm³, 27 GPa, and 280 MPa, respectively. The values in untreated PF resin-impregnated wood reached 0.8 g/cm³, 16 GPa, and 165 MPa, respectively.