Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment and compression on the swelling and surface roughness of Southern red oak (Quercus falcate Michx.) and Southern pine (Pinus taeda L.). Specimens were exposed to temperature levels of 110 °C or 200 °C for 8 h before they were compressed using 2.5 MPa pressure for 5 min. Swelling values of the control and heat-treated samples in three grain orientations were evaluated by soaking them in water for 48 h. A stylus method was employed to determine the surface characteristics of the samples. Three main roughness parameters, namely mean arithmetic deviation of profile (Ra), mean peak-to-valley height (Rz), and maximum roughness (Rmax) were used to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on surface characteristics of the samples. Oak and pine specimens had 39.8% and 28.7% lower tangential swelling values, respectively, than those of control samples as a result of exposure to a temperature of 200 °C. Heat treatment did not make any significant difference on surface quality. Micrographs taken from cross sections of the specimens revealed that there was some cell distortion and modification due to heat treatment as well as compression. Combination of heat treatment and compression can be considered an alternative method to improve certain physical properties of these two species.
Highlights
Red oak and Southern pine are two species widely used for many applications, including general construction
Southern red oak is the common name for Quercus falcata Michx., which is a native species in the Southern United States [1]
Within the scope of this investigation surface roughness quality, dimensional stability in three grain orientations and oven-dry density of compressed Southern pine and Southern red oak samples were evaluated as a function of heat treatment
Summary
Red oak and Southern pine are two species widely used for many applications, including general construction. Southern red oak is the common name for Quercus falcata Michx., which is a native species in the Southern United States [1]. P. taeda wood has a density of 0.47 g/cm, maximum tangential shrinkage value of 7.66% and excellent mechanical properties with an average modulus of rupture of. It is important to treat wood using various methods so that it can be used effectively during its service life and its dimensional stability can be enhanced. Thermal treatment is one of the methods used to improve the dimensional characteristics of wood and wood products. Thermal treatment of wood has been investigated since the middle of the last century for the purpose of avoiding the toxic effects of chemical treatments to improve the properties of wood [4]
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