Influence of Heat Treatment on Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Toona ciliata M. Roem. Wood

Thermal modification or heat treatment was performed on the samples of Toonaciliataat various temperatures (80°C, 120°C, 160°C, 200°C) and durations (2h, 4h, and 6h) which revealed that chemical and mechanical properties of the wood improved at particular temperature with certain time duration. These results suggest that thermal treatment considerably improves wood properties like dimensional stability and durability. Vacuumoven was used to assess the process of thermal modification and different procedures were used to study the chemicaland mechanical properties of Toona wood. In chemical properties the maximum value of holocellulose content (71.73%) and lignin content (27.52%), were observed at 200°C. While, the minimum value of holocellulose content (61.29%) and lignin content (24.42%), were found to be at 200°C and at control, respectively. In mechanical properties the maximum value of tensile strength (0.072), bending strength 0.022), compression parallel to the grain (0.052) and compression perpendicular (0.039) to the grain was observed at 120°C. Whereas, the minimum tensile strength (0.039), bending strength (0.008), compression parallel (0,041) the grain and perpendicular (0.027) to the grain was found at 200°C.All the chemical and mechanical properties of Toona wood improved after heat treatment at particular temperature and duration.