Influence of temperature and steam environment on set recovery of compressive deformation of wood

Abstract

Low-density hybrid poplar wood (Populus deltoides 9 Populus trichocarpa) was densified by mechanical compression under saturated steam, superheated steam, and transient conditions at temperature levels of 150, 160, and 170C. Furthermore, compression of wood under saturated steam conditions at 170C, followed by post-heat-treatment at 200C for 1, 2, and 3 min, was per- formed. To determine the influence of compression treatment on the set recovery, specimens were subjected to five cycles of water soaking and drying. Modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of specimens compressed under saturated steam conditions at 170C and post-heat-treated at 200C were determined in the dry condition and after five soak/dry cycles. Higher temperature of the compression treatment resulted in lower equilibrium moisture content, while the steam conditions during the treatment and the post-heat-treatment did not have significant effect. Furthermore, the highest degree of densification was obtained in specimens compressed under saturated steam conditions at 170C and post-heat- treated at 200C. The steam condition and temperature influenced the set recovery of compressive deformation. Reduced hygroscopicity does not necessarily imply reduced set recovery. The results established that considerable fixation of com- pressive deformation can be obtained by compressing the wood in a saturated steam environment and by post-heat-treatment at 200C. The short heat-treatment had no influence on MOR or MOE, but soaking/drying treatments caused a decrease in the MOR and MOE.