Dielectric properties of heat treated teak wood (Tectona grandis Linn. F)

Abstract

Heat treatment is a modification method that uses modification of drying temperature or other heat treatment to improve wood quality. Heat treatment with a temperature of 150°C and 180°C for 0, 2, and 6 hours carried out on 8 years old teak wood can improve its quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the dielectric properties of teak wood. The parameters in this study are the capacitance and dielectric constant or relative permittivity. The results showed that heat treatment affected the physical and dielectric properties of wood. Moisture content and wood density decrease after heat treatment. The changes on those physical properties influenced dielectric properties. Heat treated wood have decreased the dielectric wood properties significantly. The capacitance and the dielectric constant decrease on the sample which applied in higher temperature and time. Frequencies below 10 kHz have affected on dielectric properties or both capacitance and dielectric contant Based on the study, the heat treatment was decreasing the ability of electrical insulator properties of wood.