Effects of Boron Impregnation and Heat Treatment on Some Mechanical Properties of Oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) Wood

Abstract

Heat treatment changes some physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of wood. Inorganic borates have been used as wood preservatives for many years. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of impregnation chemicals on some mechanical properties (bending strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tensile strength parallel to the grain (TS), compression strength parallel to the grain (CS), and shear strength parallel to the grain (SS)) of heat-treated oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.). For this purpose, the oak wood specimens were impregnated with 5% aqueous solution of boric acid (BA) and borax (BX). Then specimens were heat-treated at 160, 190, and 220 °C for 2 and 4 h. According to the results of the study, borax retention value was higher than boric acid. The bending strength, modulus of elasticity in bending, tensile strength parallel to the grain, and shear strength parallel to the grain decreased due to heat treatment. The highest mechanical strength losses were determined in samples heat treated at 220 °C for 4 h. Generally the mechanical strength losses of samples impregnated with borax were lower than non-impregnated controls and specimens impregnated with boric acid.