Physical and mechanical properties of thermally modified short-rotation wood in a closed system

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the effect of a closed system thermal modification process on some physical and mechanical properties of eucalypt and teak short-rotation wood. We assessed untreated eucalypt and teak (EW and TW) and thermally modified eucalypt and teak wood (TMEW and TMTW). The process was carried out at 160°C for 45 min, and we performed some physical and mechanical tests. Thermal modification reduced the mechanical resistance and hygroscopicity and increased the dimensional stability of wood. The normal density (ρ 12) of TMTW was reduced, but no significant effect was verified for TMEW, although it had an absolute reduction of 7%. For both conditions (untreated and thermally modified), teak was more resistant to failure (higher MOR in static bending), and no difference between the species was verified for MOE. Eucalypt wood was more resistant to compression parallel to the grain in both conditions.