Thermal modification of a fast-growing commercial wood in Brazil

Resumo

Heat treatment of Pinus elliottii wood is an essential practice for improving its properties and durability. This study aims to evaluate the changes resulting from this process at three temperature ranges, for a period of 2 h. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal modification process of P. elliottii wood at different temperatures over a two-hour period in a forced circulation laboratory oven. The study used samples of P. elliottii wood, subjected to heat treatments at three temperatures (160°C, 200°C and 240°C) for 2 h. Apparent density, chemical composition, thermal stability, mechanical and colorimetric properties were analysed to assess the effects of the treatments. The heat treatments on P. elliottii wood had varied results. The 160°C treatment increased rigidity and resistance, while the 200°C treatment provided greater thermal stability. Both are recommended for different purposes. However, the 240°C treatment damaged the wood's properties. There was a decrease in mass loss with no significant impact on specific mass. The wood also darkened as a result of the heat treatments.